Every once in a while, something gets submitted to us that
resonates, tickles, informs, and/or inspires on a really deep, satisfying level.
This is one of those items. Everything about it. The project itself, these
super-cool origami airplanes, made from phonebook paper, the obvious dedication
of the teacher who made this video and teaches his students about the physics of
flight (and one can only image how many other great lessons), the awesome video
of the students, excitedly coaxing their fliers around the classroom and
gymnasium. There's something almost magical about watching these kids pushing
their gossamer craft around on invisible puffs of air. Most kids use a piece of
cardboard, but some even learn the delicate art of creating and directing the
airwaves with their bare hands.
The origami gliders page, on Science Toy Builder, has several other equally fascinating videos about the
science, construction, and flight of these planes, lots of pictures, and links
to templates for building your own.
This teacher, Slater Harrison (Williamsport, PA), gets my vote for teacher of
the year.
