Florence Temko - Origami Airplanes: Make Fun and Easy Paper Airplanes with This Great Origami-for-Kids Book: Includes Origami Book and 25 Original Projects

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I owe a debt of gratitude to many friends in the international origami community who, over many years, have always been ready to share their interest in paperfolding. I wish I could name everyone, but I regret that is impossible. I would like to thank those who have patiently participated in the time-consuming task of testing the directions and have offered their general encouragement and support: John Andrisan, who not only test folded some of the planes but also responded readily to any of my questions about aerodynamics with constructive answers, and who can launch a plane better than anyone else; Tyler Anyon; Yolanda Anyon; Sharon Brengel; Cath Kachur (who decorated the Blunt Nose Plane); V'Ann Cornelius; Jim Cowley; Arlene Edelstein; Dorothy Engleman; Tanya Dean; Charlie De Stefano; Alexandra Hirsch; Erin Hook; Judith Jaskowiak, Curt Lange; Helen Watt and Jennifer Lantagne (supportive editors); David Lister (former president of the British Origami Society); George Ondovchak; Dane Petersen; Nancy Petersen; Lisa and Mark Saliers; Renee Santillo; Carol Stevens; David Temko; Dennis Temko; Janet Temko; Perri Temko; and Rachel Temko.

And, of course, everyone can fold planes and display them in a lineup. Use any available materials, like card-board boxes, recycled papers, and markers. There is no limit to what you can do. You can keep everything very simple, or as elaborate as you like.For example, cars in a parking lot can be represented by small pieces of paper folded in half, or you can construct realistic, three-dimensional cars with wheels and cut-out windows. It's a great, creative form of entertainment.

You can organize a contest as entertainment at a local event. Here are some ideas to consider and precautions to bear in mind: Outside Contests Air currents may affect flight results. Possible rules to set before the contest Planes must be made from letter or square paper. Tape and paper clips are allowed. Cutting is not allowed, except for tabs. Everyone can fly any kind of plane.

Everyone must fold the same type of plane. Select a plane from this book and ask contestants to make some design changes. Invent a new plane. Play for points. Set a time limit. Set a target, such as a table or big circle.

Criteria for Winners The plane that flew the longest distance. The plane that stayed in the air for the longest time. The plane that looped the highest. Other Ideas With a large group, arrange teams and eliminating rounds. Have plenty of paper, paper clips, and tape available. Give out paper with preprinted fold lines.

Beforehand appoint a person to be in charge of measuring flight distances. Provide a measuring tape. Give out awards, such as certificates prepared ahead or small gifts. Each competitor begins with a certain number of planes, for instance 25. Competitors accumulate points for each plane reaching the goal set for each round, whether it's distance, height or some other criteria. Including a teaching session Before the actual contest takes place, you may want to set up an area where people can learn how to fold planes. Including a teaching session Before the actual contest takes place, you may want to set up an area where people can learn how to fold planes.

For a successful experience, prepare yourself well: Decide clearly on specific planes you would like to teach. Make sure you know how to fold them yourself, making them again and again until you are very familiar with them and can verbalize each step. Prepare an adequate paper supply.