Norman Schmidt

Hobbyists, aviation enthusiasts, and history buffs alike will find hours of enjoyment in this guide to making and flying paper fighter planes. Many of the past century’s classic fighters are included here, such as the legendary Sopwith Camel, P-51 Mustang, Mitsubishi Zero, Messerschmitt Bf 109, and the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom. Simply photocopy the predrawn and numbered parts for each model onto a standard index card, then cut and construct them into working planes with actual flight characteristics. For a little extra realism, add authentic details—model markings,… (más)

This is a 95-page book filled from cover to cover with patterns and instructions to make paper birds that really fly. It is a combination origami/paper airplane craft that includes instructions to make such birds as a cardinal, a hawk, an albatross, and a Canada goose. The patterns include the detailed pictures to make the markings and faces specific to each bird.

I thought I would try one night to make a couple of these first before I tried them with my daughters. I ended up making all of them. The folding instructions are very clear, and even though the pieces require multiple folding, they do not require absolute precision. My favorite bird was the cardinal because it flew the best.

This book would make a good craft project for a middle-school art class. The patterns are a little too intricate for younger ages, unless done one on one. The birds would make a very nice mobile or hanging decorations for a classroom when doing a science/nature theme about birds. The book would also make a good example of how to write instructions, so a class could use it as a model and make an instruction book of their own.… (más)