Paper is such a cool tool that be converted into so many fun toys. This maple seed spinning paper helicopter activity (wow, that was a mouthful) is the perfect activity for science or engineering. It is great for learning about seeds as well as forces in nature. Plus, it works for sunny or rainy days. How awesome is that! 

These helicopters are inspired by nature’s helicopter seeds such as maple seeds. Make the basic shape with your little learner and experiment with the template to  turn is into a STEAM activity. As you test and try, watch forces such as gravity and air resistance work together to create beautiful, twirling miniature helicopters.   

Now, let’s get snipping!

How to make the maple seed paper helicopter

What you need:

• Print out of template
• Construction paper or card stock
• Scissors
• Paperclips
• Tape

How to:

This activity is pretty simple. With just a few steps and some experimenting, you can watch the wonders of science magically twirl the maple seed helicopters around.  Follow the directions below or watch the video for a quick demonstration and instructions.

Step 1: Print the template. Cut around the template.

Step 2: Cut along the solid lines.

Step 3: Crease along the dotted lines.

Step 4: Fold section C towards section D.

Step 5: Fold section E towards section D.

Step 6: Tape folded ends to keep them together.

Step 7: Add a paper clip to the bottom (taped end).

Step 8: Fold section A towards you.

Step 9: Fold section B away from you. Voila! Your maple seed helicopter is ready.

Step 10: Hold the paper helicopter by the paperclip, throw it like a ball or if you have stairs or higher ground, drop the helicopter and watch them spin.

The STEAM behind the fun:

Plants disperse seeds in many different ways. Sticky seeds are taken by pollinators such as bees, which carry them to different areas. Some seeds are found in fruits, where birds and animals eat them and disperse them. Some, however, are shaped in a way allowing them to move with the wind such as maple seeds. 

Maple seeds are quite unique. They have propeller “wings” like a helicopter that allows them to spin around, get blown with the wind, and stay in the air for longer. As a seed floats in the air, the wind carries it farther, so the longer it is in the air, the better.

But how does the helicopter work?
Two forces are working together to help the helicopter spin. Gravity pulls the helicopter toward the ground. At the same time, air resistance pushes on the helicopter wings from the bottom. This push of air makes the helicopter spin.

Explore further:

You can introduce engineering challenges to convert the activity into a true STEAM activity. Here are a few ways you can do that.

• Change the direction of the wings. Fold them in the opposite direction.
• Change the shape of the wings (Watch the video for some inspiration)
• Change the size of the helicopters. Which one is better? Why?
• Change the weight of the helicopters by adding or removing paper clips.
• Make the helicopter using different types (weights) of paper. 

Paper toys are so much fun especially when they allow us to explore our engineering and science skills. We hope you enjoy making these maple seed paper helicopters.  Happy engineering!