DIY: Paper Darts | Tinkerer Box Blog

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Paper Darts

Stem Activities

Ages: 6-8

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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Paper folding isn't just an art - it's a gateway to scientific discovery! Through precise folding and design, paper darts can glide steadily through the air and even spin as they fly. Get ready to create your own unique dart and challenge yourself to achieve the longest flight distance!

Materials Needed

Coloured paper
Rubber band

Several rectangular sheets of colorful paper lie on a light wood-grained surface. The visible colors are light blue (on top), red, orange, and pale yellow. A single yellow rubber band is positioned to the right of the paper. The arrangement suggests preparation for a craft project.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Take a sheet of coloured paper, fold it in half and open it again.

A rectangular piece of bright red paper, folded in half lengthwise, lies on a light wood-grained surface. The fold is visible down the center of the paper.

Step 2

Fold both long edges of the paper to meet the centre crease.

A rectangular piece of red paper, folded in half lengthwise and then in half again widthwise, rests on a light wood-grained surface. The folded edges create a narrow, rectangular shape.

Step 3

Fold both sides again to meet the centre line.

Two hands are folding a rectangular strip of red paper. The paper has already been folded in half lengthwise and is now being folded inward again from the shorter sides, creating a narrower, more compact shape. The hands and paper are positioned on a light wood-grained surface.

Step 4

Fold all four corners towards the centre line.

A narrow, folded strip of red paper lies vertically on a light wood-grained surface. Both ends of the strip are folded inwards to create pointed tips, resembling a slim, elongated diamond or a stylized tie.

Step 5

Next, fold the paper in half along the centre line.

Two hands hold a long, thin strip of red paper against a light wood-grained surface. The paper is folded lengthwise, creating a visible crease down the middle. The hands gently pinch the edges of the paper, appearing to prepare for another fold or manipulation.

Step 6

As shown, align and fold the corners.

Two hands are manipulating a vertically oriented, narrow strip of red paper against a light wood-grained background. The paper is folded multiple times, and the hands appear to be in the process of making or adjusting a fold near the center of the strip. One end of the paper has a pointed tip.

Step 7

Repeat these steps with four sheets of paper. Then, combine the four folded pieces as shown in the illustration. Your paper dart is now complete.

Two hands are shown against a light wood-grained background. One hand holds a small, folded piece of orange paper, while the other hand holds a similar, slightly larger piece of red paper. Both pieces appear to be folded and shaped for an origami project.

Step 8

Hook one end of the rubber band around one of the dart's wings, pull the other end of the rubber band sideways. Then release to launch!

Two hands hold a completed origami ninja star, also known as a shuriken. The star is made of folded paper in shades of orange, red, and yellow, arranged in an interlocking pattern. The points of the star are sharp and defined.

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