NATIONAL PAPER AIRPLANE DAY
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With one sheet of paper and some folds – you can fly. Well, Paper can fly.
Paper airplanes have been a staple of childhood play for generations. There is something about folding a piece of paper and launching it into the air that captures the imagination of both kids and adults alike. That’s why National Paper Airplane Day, celebrated on May 26th, is such a special occasion.
History of Paper Airplanes
Paper airplanes have a fascinating history that dates back to ancient China, where paper was invented. In the early days, paper airplanes were used for religious purposes, but they eventually became a popular pastime in Japan. The art of folding paper airplanes was introduced to the Western world in the early 20th century when airplanes became a common mode of transportation.
We know that Davinci and the Wright Brothers studied paper models and how they worked.
During World War II there was an increase in paper toys because it just wasn’t practical to make toys out of metal or plastic at the time. Those resources were being used for the War effort.
Paper Airplane Fun Facts
- The record for the longest paper airplane flight is over 27 seconds.
- The Guinness World Record for the largest paper airplane was set in 2012, measuring 45 feet long and 26 feet wide.
- The paper airplane is recognized as the official state toy of Massachusetts.
- NASA has used paper airplanes to test aerodynamics and flight patterns.
- There is a World Paper Airplane Championship held in Salzburg, Austria every year.
You can celebrate NATIONAL PAPER AIRPLANE DAY by:
Making a paper airplane is a simple yet satisfying process. Here are the steps:
- Choose your paper: Start with a rectangular piece of paper, such as printer paper, construction paper, or origami paper.
- Fold the paper in half: Fold the paper in half lengthwise and crease it well.
- Fold the corners: Take the top corners of the paper and fold them down towards the center crease to make a triangle shape.
- Fold the wings: Take the newly folded corners and fold them again towards the center crease, creating the wings.
- Make the nose: Fold the top of the paper down to create a small triangle, forming the nose of the plane.
- Test your plane: Give your plane a gentle toss and see how it flies. Adjust the wings or nose as necessary to make it fly straight.
The paper you use to fold your plane is important. Experiment and find what works best. Thin copy paper is a good place to start. You will also learn that the pressure you apply when launching your plane will affect the direction of flight, the height, and the distance that can be achieved.
Want some ready-to-fold-and-go planes:
FOLD AND FLY PAPER AIRPLANES – HARDCOVER
Can’t celebrate this year – Mark your calendar & save this holiday for next year!
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