Tumblewing Glider
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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Who am I?
Hi, I'm Mark Collard.
This blog shares some of the most successful group games, team-building activities & programming tips I know.
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