NASA STEM Stars: Making a Paper Airplane with an Aerospace Engineer | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to fold a paper airplane in this step-by-step tutorial.

Key Insights

• 🙏 Following a step-by-step folding process produces a paper airplane.
• 💄 Testing and making adjustments are vital in the engineering process.
• 🎨 Engineers utilize math and science to innovate and improve existing designs.
• 💯 Making continuous improvements is a core aspect of engineering.
• 😘 Paper airplanes can be customized by folding the tips of the wings.
• 💦 Testing is essential to see if the design works effectively.
• 💦 Engineers strive to make things better for everyone through their work.

Transcript

so the first thing take the paper and i want you to fold it so put corner to the corner fold it in half right down in the middle and we're gonna do a crease got that yes okay you see we got a good crease here so right here from the middle bend it down let's see that bring it down and do both sides like that you want to do it so um you're bending it... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How do you fold a paper airplane?

Start by folding the paper in half, then fold the corners to the center crease. Bend the sides down from the middle, fold the wings, and finally fold up the tips of the wings if desired.

Q: Why is testing the airplane important?

Testing allows you to see if your design works and identify any flaws. It's a crucial step in the engineering process as it helps in making improvements and adjustments for better performance.

Q: What role does math and science play in engineering?

Engineers use math and science principles to come up with innovative ideas and solutions. They analyze data, perform calculations, and apply scientific knowledge to improve designs and create more efficient and effective products.

Q: How can you make a paper airplane fly better?

To make a paper airplane fly better, you can experiment with different designs, adjust the angles of the wings, and try different throwing techniques. Testing and making small adjustments can lead to better flight performance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Follow the instructions to fold a paper airplane: fold the paper in half, bend the sides down, fold the wings, and create the airplane shape.

• Testing the airplane is an important part of the engineering process, and even if it doesn't work initially, making adjustments and trying again leads to improvement.

• Engineers use math and science to come up with innovative ideas and improve existing things for the benefit of everyone.