Build an Aircraft

With the long days at home, you have plenty of opportunity to give your kids building challenges that can happen over a few days. A great way to use up stuff you've got in the house is upcycling-- using recycled items to create something new. So over the course of the weeks, fill a box with things that can live in a new way. This project benefits greatly from upcycled items. :)

We'll share several ideas over the coming days, but here's the first to get you started...


Build an Aircraft!

Materials:

• A variety of random supplies (straws, cardboard, paper tubes, deli and food containers, egg cartons, bottles, wooden things (toothpicks, skewers, popsicle sticks, decorating things, etc), clay, paperclips, etc.
• Tape, glue and hot glue (if an adult can help)
• Books, magazines, or the internet for inspiration

Instructions:

Give your inventors a bunch of supplies and some time and space.  You could build a helicopter, glider, airplane or other aircraft. Perhaps it's best to invent a new type of aircraft. 

Build for a while, then take a break. Come back to the design and make adjustments and refinements.  Change the materials, rebuild the wings, figure out how to make the rotors move, etc. The sky (literally) is the limit.