Paper is an easily overlooked material for engineering, but it is a great way to explore many engineering concepts: the relationship of material properties and function, the relative strength of different shapes, and how to manipulate material to create strength and flexibility. My favorite paper engineer is Rob Ives, and I recommend checking out his wonderful creations. However, many of his projects are advanced, and I caution kids to make sure to be in their best growth mindsets in order to take one on!
I have made many things out of paper, and I expect this isn't going to remain my only paper post. However, in the spirit of creating treasure from trash, I want to specifically show how to make a cylindrical paper flier.
If you are in the habit of thinking that airplanes are the only shape that allows paper to sail through the air, then let me enlighten you. Cylindrical paper fliers look very different from paper airplanes. However, they are similar in that small tweaks are likely to change how they fly, and as with all engineering design activities, I hope you will tinker with changing the basic idea to see what differences you can create.
Here's how you make one:
Start with a flat, rectangular piece of paper. Mine is about the size of printer paper, but feel free to try different sizes and see how they work. I am also using junk mail, because reusing something that would otherwise be thrown away is always better than using something new!
Fold one of the long edges over, about halfway to the other side.
Fold two more times, lining each fold up with the edge you just created:
Then unfold the last fold you made (it is just a guide for later) and scrape the paper along the edge of a table to make it curve:
Finish shaping the paper into a cylinder and tuck the folds together; see below:
The last step is a little messy at first. Fold the edge down inside the tube. At first it will be pretty crinkly but once you get it all folded down, you can smooth it out.
To fly it, hold it with the folded edge pointed forward and throw overhand like a football. Video instructions are below if you need them!