How far can your kid's paper dart fly?
The Distance Dart Challenge is a free 8-page printable from an aerospace engineer and dad of four homeschooled kids. Fold it, throw it, measure it, then make it fly farther.
- Fold-along steps, just 4 folds
- 3 print-and-fold dart templates
- A flight log to track 6 throws
- Grown-up notes: the simple science of a glide
8 pages, one afternoon of flight testing
Print it on regular paper. You'll also want some tape and something to measure with (a tape measure or counting floor tiles works).
Grown-ups' welcome
Meet the engineer, the materials list, and a short note on how to run it.
Fold & throw
The Distance Dart in 4 folds, plus how to throw it level and smooth.
How far can it fly?
Why it glides, a 6-throw flight log, and ideas to make it fly farther.
3 dart templates
Rocket Orange, Sky Blue, and a Color-It-In version. Print, cut, fold.
Three steps to the first test flight
- Enter your email above, then click the confirm button in the email we send you. The PDF arrives right after.
- Print the pages and fold a dart together (younger kids may need a hand with the creases).
- Throw, measure, log it, then change one thing and try to beat your record.
Real aerospace engineering, shrunk to kitchen-table size
Cardboard Cadets is made by an aerospace engineer and dad of four homeschooled kids. He designs these activities to turn real engineering ideas into projects kids can do with paper, tape and a kitchen table.
- MIT-trained engineer
- Former aerospace engineer at Boeing and GE
- Entrepreneur in robotics and technology
- Dad of four homeschooled kids
Ready for launch?
Grab the Distance Dart Challenge and start testing tonight.
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