Whether you are looking for a fun activity to keep the gray away on these gloomy spring days or you are searching for the perfect homemade gift for grandpa, this DIY magnetic plane is a great way to bring the joy of learning to life! All you need is a few common household items and a bit of creativity to take to the skies. 

You Will Need

Gather the following supplies to make your airplane:
  • Cardboard
  • Contact paper 
  • Magnets (we recommend a 1/2" x 1/4" x 1/16" block magnet)
  • String
  • Thumb tacks (4x)
  • Small airplane toy (or make your own with modeling clay or cardboard)
  • Scissors 
  • Hot glue gun
  • Pencil

Instructions

 Here are eleven steps to build your airplane: 
  1. Cut out a square piece of cardboard (we recommend making your square at least 10 inches both in length and width, but you may go as small as 7”x7”) 
  2. Trace an outline of your pre-cut cardboard piece on your contact paper 
  3. Place the contact paper overtop your cardboard (optional step for appearance only) 
  4. Measure two pieces of string to fit diagonally on your cardboard (leaving enough string to tie a knot at each end and a bit of slack to account for when the magnet is suspended)
  5. Place the two pieces of string with one end at each corner, crossing them in the center of the cardboard
  6. Glue your first magnet to your string where the two pieces meet in the center
  7. Tie a knot at the end of each end of the string
  8. Place a thumb tack at each corner, securing the ends of each piece of string
  9. Place a small amount of glue on your second magnet and press it to the center of your cardboard base to align with your first magnet attached to the string
  10. Glue your plane to the top of the magnet 
  11. Your magnets should self-align with your top magnet “suspended” overtop 
The final step: admire your free-floating magnetic aircraft that is as educational as it is cool! Display your child’s creation off as the perfect mantle piece, take it in for show-and-tell at school, or give it as a gift to a special family member; the options are endless! 

Ignite Your Creativity With Magnets

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