Straw Glider Challenge Guide
Fun STEM Maker Challenge 5-Minute Build
THE ULTIMATE HOOP GLIDER •
Build a crazy circular-wing airplane that glides smoother and farther than regular paper darts!
Flight Range 40+ FEET
What You Need:
1 Straw 1 Index Card / Paper Scissors Clear Tape
Anatomy of a Straw Glider Small Ring = Front • Large Ring = Back
FLIGHT DIRECTION SMALL HOOP (FRONT) 1" × 5" paper strip LAUNCH GRIP POINT LARGE HOOP (BACK) 1" × 9" paper strip
Fast 3-Step Construction
Takes less than 3 minutes to assemble!
1 Cut 2 Strips
Cut two straight strips from your paper or index card:
Big Strip: 1" × 8.5"–9"
Small Strip: 1" × 4.5"–5"
2 Tape into Rings
Curl each paper strip into a circle. Overlap the edges by about half an inch (0.5"). Tape securely so both hoops stay round and firm.
☆ Tip: Don't crease or crush the rings!
3 Tape to Straw
Tape the straw to the inside bottom of both hoops:
- Small hoop at the very front tip.
- Large hoop at the back end.
- Line them up straight!
Pilot Flight Technique: Grip the straw in the middle, small hoop in front. Launch with a gentle, level toss (like throwing a dart, NOT a baseball!).
Pro Tip Tape a paperclip to the nose for extra distance!
The Flight Derby Challenges
Test your skills & log your best scores!
Long Distance Challenge 1
Launch across a hallway or room. Can you beat 20, 30, or 40 feet?
My Record: ________ ft
Bullseye Landing Challenge 2
Put a box or hoop on the floor 15 feet away. Land your glider inside!
Accuracy: ____ / 5 Hits
Custom Remix Challenge 3
Try a mod: 3 rings, a shorter straw, or launch backwards. What happens?
Coolest Trick: ________
