Funstuff

Engineering Fun

Have you read about Savannah the engineer yet (see page 34)? Designing and building things is a great way to use the incredible mind Heavenly Father has given you!

Here’s a cool project to make with your family. After you finish it, keep going and try something else. Maybe a rubber band–powered car? Be sure to get an adult’s help.

Flight School!

Part of engineering is finding out what works best. Once you’ve built your launcher, experiment! What kinds of paper airplanes fly the fastest? Which ones go the straightest? The farthest? For an extra challenge, try hanging hula-hoops to fly your planes through.

Paper-Airplane Launcher

• wooden board

• hammer and nails

• one large rubber band or several smaller rubber bands connected

• paper clip

• your favorite paper airplane

1. Hammer two nails into the end of a flat board, as shown. Place the nails at least 6 inches (15 cm) wider than the widest part of your paper airplane.

2. Connect the rubber band(s) between the nails.

3. Tape a partly unfolded paper clip on the tip of your airplane, as shown.

4. Hook the clip over the rubber band, pull back, and launch!