Design Your Own Flying Machine
Design and build a simple model flying machine using paper, cardboard, straws, tape, and balloons, then test and improve its flight safely.
About this activity
Design and build a simple model flying machine using paper, cardboard, straws, tape, and balloons, then test and improve its flight safely.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one flying machine idea you want to test.
- 2
Step 2
Draw a simple sketch that shows the body wings tail and where the balloon will go.
- 3
Step 3
Gather all the materials from the list and bring them to your work surface.
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Step 4
Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard to make the body of your machine.
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Step 5
Make two paper wings by folding or cutting paper to the size in your sketch.
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Step 6
Make a small paper tail by cutting and folding a paper piece.
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Step 7
Tape a straw along the front edge of each wing to make the wings stiffer.
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Step 8
Tape the wings and the paper tail to the cardboard body in the positions from your sketch.
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Step 9
Insert a straw partway into the balloon mouth and tape the balloon to the straw to make a sealed nozzle.
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Step 10
Tape the balloon and straw assembly to the body so the straw points backward.
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Step 11
Go to an open area away from people pets and fragile things for your test.
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Step 12
Inflate the balloon by blowing air through the straw.
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Step 13
Pinch the straw to hold the air in the balloon.
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Step 14
Release the straw to launch your machine and step back to watch.
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Step 15
Share your finished flying machine and what you learned on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I design and build a simple flying machine with balloons?
Start by sketching a simple design: body (fuselage), wings, and propulsion (balloon). Cut lightweight cardboard or folded paper for the body, attach straw sections as supports, and tape wings on symmetrically. Tape an inflated balloon to the fuselage or thread a straw through it to make a balloon rocket. Inflate and hold the balloon, then release to test flight in an open area. Observe glide, adjust wing angle, balance, and weight, then retest until it improves.
What materials do I need to build a paper and balloon flying machine?
Youll need basic household craft supplies: paper, lightweight cardboard, several balloons, drinking straws, masking or clear tape, scissors, a ruler, and markers. Optional extras that help testing and tweaks include paper clips (for adjustable weight), glue, a clothespin or rubber band to hold and release the balloon, string (for a balloon-rocket track), and small stickers for decoration. Supervise scissors and balloon use with young children.
What ages is designing a flying machine suitable for?
This activity suits different ages with supervision levels: ages 46 can participate with adult help on cutting, inflating balloons, and taping—focus on decorating and simple shapes. Ages 710 can follow steps more independently, experiment with wing shapes and balance, and record simple results. Ages 11+ can build complex designs, test variables like lift and drag, and use measurements. Always supervise balloon use; balloons are a choking hazard for very young children.
What are some fun variations and ways to improve the flying machine?
Try variations to explore flight: make a balloon rocket by threading a straw along a taut string; build a glider with longer wings from thicker paper; add a propeller driven by a twisted rubber band; test different wing shapes (delta, rectangular, dihedral) and tail sizes; or use two balloons for extra thrust. Turn it into distance or time challenges and redesign between rounds. Always test in open, clear spaces and supervise balloon use for safety.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have straws, balloons, or cardboard from the materials list?
If you don't have straws, use the hollow barrel from a ballpoint pen or a short rolled-paper tube for the 'Insert a straw...' step, cut a cereal-box panel instead of cardboard for the body, and if you lack balloons use the finger of a clean rubber glove taped to the tube as the air bladder.
My flying machine spins, dives, or barely moves—what should I check or fix?
If it spins or dives, recheck and reseal the balloon-to-straw nozzle ('tape the balloon to the straw'), stiffen the wings by adding more tape along the front edge as in 'Tape a straw along the front edge of each wing', and move the paper tail or add a small nose weight on the cardboard body to correct the balance.
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For ages 3–6 have an adult pre-cut the rectangular cardboard body and wings and help attach the balloon assembly so the child can place and decorate parts, while older kids can follow 'Draw a simple sketch', try different wing shapes and sizes, and record flight distance after inflating and launching.
How can we extend or personalize our flying machine after the basic test?
To extend the activity decorate the cardboard body, experiment by taping two balloon-and-straw assemblies to the body ('Tape the balloon and straw assembly') for more thrust, or add a small paperclip nose weight to compare how balance changes flight distance and share results on DIY.org.