toys to build

In these pages we have outlined some of the simplest flying toys to make with everyday objects. Click on the links to the right to find basic instructions on how to construct the toys.

An important idea to communicate to pupils is the overall process engineers go through in developing their inventions - having creative ideas as possible answers to particular problems; building simple versions of the machine; testing how well it works; improving the design and then testing it again; repeating this cycle until you are satisfied that it works well and is safe; building the real machine.

Once pupils have built one version of a toy they should be encouraged to try to improve their design to make it stronger, lighter, or fly further.