Design your own UFO - World UFO Day
Design and build your own UFO model using recycled materials, decorate it creatively, then test simple flights to explore aerodynamics and teamwork.
About this activity
Design and build your own UFO model using recycled materials, decorate it creatively, then test simple flights to explore aerodynamics and teamwork.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials from the list and bring them to your building area.
- 2
Step 2
Clear a flat workspace so you have room to build and test your UFO.
- 3
Step 3
Decide team roles so each person has one job like designer builder tester or decorator.
- 4
Step 4
Sketch your UFO plan on paper showing the base the dome and where fins or weights will go.
- 5
Step 5
Measure and mark the size of the round base on your box or container.
- 6
Step 6
Cut out the round base from the box or container using scissors.
- 7
Step 7
Shape a dome using a plastic lid or folded paper to fit on top of the base.
- 8
Step 8
Attach the dome to the base with tape or glue until it is secure.
- 9
Step 9
Add fins or stabilizers by cutting small cardboard pieces and taping them to the sides.
- 10
Step 10
Place small weights under the center of the UFO to help it balance.
- 11
Step 11
Decorate your UFO with colouring materials stickers and creative designs.
- 12
Step 12
Set up a simple test area such as a clear hallway or a smooth ramp.
- 13
Step 13
Do a test flight by gently tossing sliding or rolling your UFO in the test area.
- 14
Step 14
Write down what you observed about how far it went how steady it flew and any tilting.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished UFO creation and what you learned on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you design and build a UFO model for World UFO Day?
Start by sketching a simple UFO shape then collect recycled parts like plastic containers, cardboard, bottle caps and straws. Cut and assemble pieces with tape, glue or hot glue (adult only). Add wings, a central body and a lightweight base for balance. Decorate with paints, stickers, or foil. Test flights by gentle tosses, a straw-powered puff, or rubber-band launch; adjust weight and shape to improve stability. Work together to record what changes help flight.
What materials do I need to design a recycled UFO model?
Gather recycled items like plastic yogurt cups, paper plates, cardboard, bottle caps, and cereal boxes. You’ll also need scissors, craft knife (adult use), glue or tape, rubber bands, straws, string, markers or paint, stickers, and lightweight filler (tissue or foam). Optional: clothespins, a ruler, safety goggles, and a hot-glue gun for stronger joints. Use materials that are clean, dry, and safe for children to handle.
What ages is designing a UFO model suitable for?
Designing and building a recycled UFO suits children aged about 4–12. Ages 4–6 benefit from simple assembling and decorating with adult help for cutting and gluing. Ages 7–9 can handle basic construction, simple flight tests, and small tool use under supervision. Ages 10–12 can design aerodynamic tweaks, handle more precise cutting and testing, and lead teamwork. Always supervise tool use and adjust complexity to each child’s skills.
What are the benefits, safety tips, or variations for this UFO building activity?
Benefits include STEM learning (aerodynamics, measurement), creativity, fine motor skills, and teamwork as kids plan, build, and test UFOs. Safety tips: supervise scissors, craft knives and hot glue; use non-toxic paints, test flights outdoors away from people and breakables, and wear safety goggles if launching. Variations: add LED lights, make a hovering balloon-powered version, or hold timed competitions for distance, precision landing, or most creative design.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a plastic lid, box, or small weights if we don't have them?
If you don't have a plastic lid use a paper bowl or folded paper for the dome, swap the box or container base for a stiff paper plate or recycled cereal box, and use coins or washers as small weights under the center.
Why does my UFO tilt or wobble when I test it, and how can I fix it?
If your UFO tilts during the test flight, rebalance it by checking the measured base, moving or adding small weights under the center, and securing loose fins or the dome with extra tape or glue.
How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids skip the cutting step by providing a pre-cut round base and let them focus on decorating with colouring materials and stickers, while older kids can sketch detailed plans, measure and mark the round base, cut their own parts, and add adjustable fins for testing.
How can we make the UFO more advanced or personalized after it's built?
Enhance your UFO by installing a small LED light inside the dome, trying different fin shapes and weight placements on the base to improve flight, and sharing photos and your written observations on DIY.org.