Build a Balsa Wood Rubber Band Model Airplane

NoteThe instructions are only in video form. I got my materials from Kelvin.com. The items listed below are linked to the website. These links work as of December 2017.  Kelvin has a minimum order, so if you are just making one or a couple planes, I suggest you get a simple kit from your local hobby store. Alternately, this page has a very good design that can be built from common materials.

I now tell my students to crumple the tissue paper for the wings and then flatten it out again. That is because it absorbs moisture from the air and eventually shrinks, sometimes causing the wing to warp. Also, the video says to tape the wing 3 inches from the front. If the plane has trouble climbing, try 2 1/2" instead.

Here are some instructions for making a homemade propeller from a 2-liter plastic soft drink bottle.