All origami lessons

Before you start

This guide follows the Paper Airplane activity in Origami Pico. Open the interactive version to see the current paper, highlighted fold and movement in 3D. Choose a free basic paper to try it as many times as you like.

No physical paper is needed for the on-screen activity. If you want to try real paper too, use the linked folding reference below alongside the app. Some movements are adapted for the interactive guide.

Folding instructions

1. Find the center

   Fold the left side to the right, then reopen to leave a center crease.

2. First corner to the center

   Bring the top left corner down to the center crease.

3. Match the other corner

   Bring the top right corner down to meet the first one.

4. Narrow the left edge

   Fold the sloping left edge inward until it meets the center line.

5. Narrow the right edge

   Fold the sloping right edge to the same center line.

6. Fold the body in half

   Close the plane along your first center crease, keeping the nose folds inside.

7. Crease the first wing

   Fold the upper wing down to the body edge, then open it halfway for flight.

8. Turn to the other side (automatic view change)

   Turn the whole plane over to bring the remaining wing toward you.

9. Crease the matching wing

   Fold this newly exposed wing down to the body edge, then open it halfway.

10. Turn it ready for flight (automatic view change)

    Turn the whole plane so the wings are level and the folded body hangs below.

Use this lesson together

Read one instruction aloud, describe where the moving corner will go, then make the fold. Students or family members can take turns explaining the next step.

Classroom activity guide · Family folding guide

Folding reference

This app activity is based on Wingin’ It: Dart, pages 19–21, with adaptations for interactive 3D folding.