Name: Paper Racers
SKU: 92915L
Price: 35.17 AUD

Download Activity Template

Step 1Begin by cutting an A4 sheet of paper down the long edge into three equal-sized strips, each 7cm wide. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors. You will only need one strip per racer. Place two strips to the side and fold the remaining one in half, short edge to short edge.
Step 2Fold the strip in half, this time lengthways, then fold in half a second time. Unfold these two folds. You will now see three creases running down the length of the folded strip.
Step 3Take the right corner of the folded short edge and fold down to the middle crease line. Repeat with the left corner to form a point as shown.
Step 4Unfold the right-hand corner then begin to open the paper up as shown. Valley fold along the straight crease then tuck the bottom of the triangle inside to create a reverse fold. Fold the shape flat.
Step 5Repeat step 4 with the left-hand corner.
Step 6Bring the two sides of the top paper section up and together so they are perpendicular to the ones below. Fold the other two sides on the bottom section backwards, pinching together and creasing down the lengthways fold. You should now have a pointed top with 2 thin strips underneath. This will become your track.
Step 7Cut the top triangle in half. You will now have a small, folded triangle (the racer) as well as the track.
Step 8Download and print the template provided. Decorate each of the rectangle shapes as the flags of different countries competing in the games. This is a great way to get to know the flag of other countries! Cut out one of the flags and glue in place on top of the racer with the bottom edges aligned. Allow to dry.
Step 9Decorate the track using markers. Create a finish line at the top and draw in some track lines.
Step 10Slip the strips of track into either side of the racer. It should sit between the folds on each side of the racer. Position the racer at the bottom of the track, close to your fingers.
Step 11Your Paper Racer is now ready to compete! Hold one side of the track in each hand, then gently pull the strips down, alternating left and right. As you do so, the racer will begin to move up the track. Time how long it takes to cross the finish line or get your friends to make their own racers and challenge them to a race!
The racer does take a bit of practice to get going. Experiment with the movement of the strips bringing them together or apart until the racer begins to move. Keep practicing until you’ve mastered the movement - then you are ready to race!