- Use sections of a shoebox to craft two-dimesional (2-D) airplane crafts. A bookmark can be fabricated by cutting out a 2-inch by 6-inch rectangle from the box's lid or side. Cut out a 3-inch by 3-inch airplane shape from the box. Color the airplane with markers or paint. Glue the airplane to one side of a pipe cleaner and then glue the rectangle next to the plane so it looks like the plane is pulling a banner. The lid of the shoebox can also be removed and used like a canvas. Instruct your child to paint an airplane on the inside of the lid and the lid's sides become a simple frame.
- Construct the entire shoebox into an airplane model. Glue the lid down and paint the box with one color. Cut out wings, a tail and a propeller from a cereal box. Paint those pieces and then glue them onto place. Another idea for a model is to remove the lid and turn the box upside-down. Use the lid to create the wings and tail of a jet airplane. Glue into place and paint accordingly.
- Remove the sides of the lid and cut out the bottom of the shoebox to create a gliding airplane. This craft is well-suited for shoeboxes with thinner cardboard. Fold one rectangular piece of cardboard in half lengthwise. Open it up and fold the top two corners into the crease. Then, fold down the wings to craft a flying airplane similar to a paper airplane. Experiment with different folding techniques and styles for the plane.
- Craft an airplane glider using the shoebox. Trace parts of a working balsa wood or foam glider onto the shoebox. Cut out the pieces. Glue the parts together like the working glider and test them out together. Race the planes to see which material flies better. Alternatively, print out templates for a glider online from websites, such as NASA.gov. Cut them out and trace them onto the shoebox. Follow the website's instructions to complete.
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