Tumblewing Glider

August 11, 2011 by
Filed under: FUNN Games 

Guaranteed to engage your group, and keep them busy for ages.

At A Glance

Using a sheet of large cardboard to produce an updraft, an individual attempts to keep a lightweight paper-plane aloft for as long as possible.

What You Need

  • Tumblewing template (click here for pdf)
  • Telephone book paper
  • Scissors
  • Large sheet of cardboard – the bigger the better!

What To Do

Check out this video for a great example of what you’re aiming for.

Intrigued? I was hooked immediately.

To solve this mystery, you’ll need to download the Tumblewing template from the ABC Science website by clicking here. This excellent online resource tells you everything you need to know to get flying within minutes.

One suggestion – try printing the template directly onto telephone book paper (using your printer) to save time / hassle.

As described by the ABC Surfing Scientist, … “Tumblewing gliders are one of the most enchanting and curious paper flying contraptions ever conceived. They are simple to make, easy to fly and cost absolutely nothing. Constructed from lightweight telephone directory paper, they can be kept aloft almost indefinitely and tumble along on the updraft of air generated by a large sheet of cardboard (the paddle). In very still air and with a little practice, they can be steered in any direction, tumbling along at eyelevel just in front of the ‘pilot’…”

From my limited experience, the best flights are achieved in a large, still room (eg school hall or gymnasium). No good outside, or in drafty / heavily air-conditioned spaces. Even the movement of others close by can cause a tumblewing to crash and burn!

People – kids and adults alike – are mesmerised by this simple little glider. Have fun as a pilot, conduct competitions for longest flights, etc.

Variations

  • Take a look at the Walkalong Airplane – this blows my mind! Click here to view a video of Phil Rossoni who is generally regarded to have popularised this amazing levitation experience.

 

Want to make a comment? Please let me and the world know by clicking here…

Thanks to Rich Klajnscek (Gloucester, MA) who passed this little gem onto me.

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Comments

3 Comments on Tumblewing Glider

  • Lee Emberton on Thu, 11th Aug 2011 7:12 pm

I was lucky enough to be apart of this ground breaking 1st delivery of the tumblewing glider at the CanTeen staff program training this week and it was great fun!

I must say I am very keen to give this a go with our young people on an upcoming program but not before I get some practice in myself :)

Thanks mark for the energy and enthusiasm that you brought to our training and for continuing to share such great activities.

Cheers
Lee Emberton
CanTeen Queensland Division

You’re welcome Lee, and yes, it was very much ground-breaking – spread the word, because as Seth Godin says – IDEAS THAT SPREAD, WIN!

  • Don Mallard on Fri, 12th Aug 2011 9:13 am

Thanks Mark, will use as a metephor to reflect empowerment, determination and selfworth for my Indigenous Rangers. Anything is possible! Cheers, Don Mallard

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