Nakamura Lock? The “Nakamura Lock” is a type of paper airplane that is named after the Japanese origami artist who designed it. Using the Nakamura Lock folding method gives a paper airplane better weight distribution, allows for more control when flying, and uses an origami technique to keep the plane folded tightly throughout use.

Step 1 1. Fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise. Unfold so that the crease is 'valley' side up.

Step 2 2. Fold the top corners down to the center fold.

Step 3 3. Fold the tip down.

Step 4 4. Fold about one inch of the tip up; unfold.

Step 5 5. Fold the top corners down to the center fold so that the corners meet above the fold in the tip. (Note that the top—the nose of the plane—should be blunt.)

Step 6 6. Fold the tip up. This is the Nakamura lock.

Step 7 7. Fold the entire plane in half so that the tip is on the outside.

Step 8 8. Fold the wings down.

Step 9 9. Make flaps at the back of the wings by bending them up or down.

Step 10 10. Name and decorate your Nakamura Lock plane!

Name ______ 6__ Nakamura Lock April __ Wing Flaps Observations Both flaps up Both flaps down Left flap up, right down Right flap up, left down Questions: What is providing your airplane’s thrust? ________________________________________________ Why does your plane eventually crash?

Name ANSWERS Nakamura Lock April __ Wing Flaps Observations Both flaps up Plane goes up Both flaps down Plane goes down Left flap down, right up Plane rolls right Left flap up, right down Plane rolls left Questions: What is providing your airplane’s thrust? Your hand gives the paper airplane its initial thrust. Why does your plane eventually crash? It does not have airfoil shaped wings, a jet engine or a propeller so its lift and thrust are overcome by drag and gravity.