How to Build a Paper Air Skimmer Sleigh (FREE Printable included)

Looking for a really neat winter STEAM activity to make with the kids? A few months ago, my eldest son came back with a really cool paper skimmer that he made at school. They followed this paper skimmer tutorial on YouTube. The directions were great for older kids, but my youngest wasn't able to make one easily. So I came up with an easy printable that we could print out, color, fold, and race. :) Both boys loved using it so much that I'm sharing it here! With it being so close to Christmas, we called them our paper skimmer sleighs. 

Print, Fold, and Build a DIY Paper Air Skimmer Sleigh

(Free printable included!)

 

Materials Needed:

• This free printable
• Cardstock
• Scissor
• Markers
• Pen
• Ruler
• Tape

Note:

If my directions aren't clear, the original YouTube video is helpful. Also, this looks like a great set of questions + images too.  And, you can always watch my IG reel for more details (and Meghan Trainor too!)

 

Directions:

1. Print out the paper skimmer model onto cardstock + cut out the pieces (body, air scoop, and 2 fins.) Then, decorate as you wish! 

 

This red one was Santa themed:

And here's a Pikachu one:

2. Now you will fold along the dotted lines to make the air scoop + body. Since cardstock is firmer than paper, use a pen + a ruler to first trace along the dotted lines. This will help you to bend the paper in a neat line. 

Here's a photo of my son tracing the dotted lines on the air scoop.

Then, bend along the dotted lines. Your air scoop will look like this. Note that one side is higher than the other. It will be taped onto the front of your air skimmer.

After folding along the dotted lines, your body will look like this. This Pokemon ball back is where the fins will be attached. 

3. Now we will use tape to secure the back of the skimmer's body.

Flip over your body piece and look at where you folded. Note where I drew the two circles on my skimmer. 

Tape the middle to the edge like so: (making the circles meet each other)

Repeat on the other side: (Confused? My IG reel will also help clarify the details!)

4. Flip over your body so your illustrated side is up. Tape on the fins. 

Note: Make sure the tape does not go on the bottom of your air skimmer because you want it to glide smoothly on the ground.

Congrats! Your fins are finally attached. (Confused? Watch my IG video to help clear things up.)

5.  Now we're going to attach the air scoop to the front bottom front of the body. Tape the piece in place like this. (The shorter side goes in the front.)

And you're all set!!!! Set the air skimmer on the ground and push. Whoosh! You'll see it glide away.

Hope you have a fun making this fun paper STEAM project! If you enjoyed this activity, you may enjoy these other ones below:

• Design your own candy maze
• Easy DIY Pom pom paint stirrer shooter
• 3D Playing Card Structures

And if you're on IG, tag me @pinkstripeysocks so I can ooh and ahh over your projects too! ;) 

Happy creating + connecting, friends!