Leslie Massey
Boomerangs have existed for thousands of years, with the oldest evidence of their use dating back 50,000 years. They are simple in design and have become one of the most iconic and classic toys. Usually, boomerangs are made out of wood or plastic, but making a boomerang out of cardboard is a fun craft that can be done with kids. To make a cardboard boomerang, you will need cardboard, scissors, a pen or pencil, and a ruler. First, draw a perfect square on the cardboard, then draw an equilateral triangle within the square. Cut out the triangle, and round the edges of the triangle's arms to create a 'Y' shape. Finally, test out your boomerang by throwing it at a slight angle and watching it fly!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cardboard, scissors, pen, ruler, marker, water bottle, tape, glue, paper, stapler |
| Cardboard type | Thick, heavy, recycled, lightweight |
| Cardboard sources | Box, cereal box, calendar, folder, pizza box |
| Cardboard thickness | 2mm |
| Cardboard size | 10 x 10 inches |
| Boomerang shape | Equilateral triangle, "Y" shape, two overlapping bandaids, two intersecting rectangles, airfoil |
| Boomerang size | Medium, large, mini, indoor, outdoor |
| Assembly | Cut, trace, draw, fold, staple, glue, tape, decorate |
| Throwing technique | Hold horizontally, 10° above the horizon, snap fingers on one wing, backhanded toss, vertical throw, flick with wrist |
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What You'll Learn
Gather materials: cardboard, scissors, pen, ruler
To make a cardboard Australian boomerang, you will need cardboard, scissors, a pen, and a ruler.
Cardboard is the primary material you will need to make a boomerang. You can use cardboard from a box, a cereal box, or any other cardboard you have and want to recycle. The cardboard can be lightweight, and you can use paper glued to it to add stiffness. You can also use thicker cardboard, such as the type found in folders, calendars, and pizza boxes, which is about 2mm thick.
Scissors will be used to cut out the boomerang shape from the cardboard. You will need a pen to draw the shape of the boomerang on the cardboard before cutting it out. A ruler will help you measure and draw straight lines to create the boomerang's shape. It will ensure that the arms of your boomerang are the same size, which is important for it to fly correctly.
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Draw and cut out an equilateral triangle
To make an Australian boomerang out of cardboard, you will first need to draw and cut out an equilateral triangle. This is important because it ensures that all the arms of your boomerang are the same size, which is crucial for it to fly correctly.
Start by drawing a perfect square on your cardboard. Use a ruler to measure a medium-sized square, about 10 x 10 inches. Make sure all four sides are the exact same length and have straight lines. Once you have your square, measure one side and make a mark at the halfway point. Repeat this on the opposite side, and use your ruler to draw a straight line connecting the two marks, creating a line running down the centre of the square.
Now, position the square in front of you with the line running vertically. Use your ruler to draw a line from the top of the first line to the bottom right corner of the square. This new line should be the same length as the sides of your square. Repeat this process to draw a line from the top of the first line to the bottom left corner. You should now have a triangle shape within your square.
Finally, use a marker to draw over the outer two lines in each corner of the triangle, starting from the edge and stopping where the lines intersect. Cut the cardboard along the lines you have drawn with the marker. You will be cutting out three small triangles from the larger triangle's edges, leaving you with a triangle with three arms in a "Y" shape.
Now you have successfully drawn and cut out an equilateral triangle, the basis for your Australian boomerang!
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$6.75
Cut out three small triangles to form a 'Y' shape
Now that you have your cardboard ready, it's time to draw and cut out the boomerang shape. Start by drawing an equilateral triangle on the cardboard square. It's important that all arms of your boomerang are the same size, so this step is crucial. Use a ruler to measure and mark the midpoint on two adjacent sides of the square. Connect these two points with a straight line to create the height of your triangle. Repeat this process for the remaining two corners of the square, and you should now have a triangle within your square.
Next, we'll cut out three small triangles to form a "Y" shape. Using a marker, draw over the outer two lines of each corner, starting from the edge of the triangle and stopping where the lines intersect. You should be left with three small triangles at the edges of the larger triangle. Cut along these marked lines to remove the three small triangles. You can now see the "Y" shape of your boomerang, with three arms extending from a central point.
This "Y" shape is essential to the function of your boomerang. Each arm will act as an airfoil, generating lift and causing the boomerang to fly in large circles or figure eights. By cutting out these triangles, you've created the distinctive shape that allows the boomerang to return to you when thrown correctly.
Before moving on to the next steps, double-check that your cuts are precise and that the arms of the boomerang are all the same size. Any discrepancies in size or shape can affect the flight path and stability of your boomerang.
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Round the edges of the boomerang
Now that you have the basic boomerang shape, it's time to round the edges of the boomerang arms to create an arc. This step is important because it helps with the aerodynamics of the boomerang, allowing it to fly smoothly.
First, use a water bottle to trace a rounded shape onto the ends of each arm. Place the water bottle at the end of one of the arms and trace the bottom of it, creating an arc that goes from one edge of the arm to the other. Repeat this process for each arm, ensuring that the arcs are similar in size and shape.
Next, carefully cut along the arcs you've drawn. This will give your boomerang its distinctive curved edges. You can use scissors or a craft knife for this step, depending on the thickness of your cardboard. Just be sure to cut slowly and carefully to avoid any accidental snips to the main structure of your boomerang.
The leading edge, or the thicker and rounded front edge, should now have a smooth, curved finish. This is important because, just like an airplane wing, the leading edge generates lift as the boomerang rotates and flies.
Finally, you can use a pencil or a stick to gently flatten and smoothen the edges of the cardboard, especially if you notice any rough spots or uneven cuts. This step will ensure that your boomerang has a sleek finish and will help it cut through the air more efficiently during flight.
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Test your boomerang
Now that you've crafted your cardboard boomerang, it's time to test it out! Here are some tips and guidelines to help you test your boomerang effectively:
Holding and Throwing Technique:
Hold your boomerang by one of its arms, ensuring it forms a "`Y`" shape with your hand. Fling the boomerang from your hand at a slight angle, aiming about 10° above the horizon. You can snap your finger on one wing to release it. Try different angles to discover which angle works best for you and makes the boomerang return to you.
Space and Safety:
When testing your boomerang, make sure you have a lot of open space, as boomerangs need room to fly and return. Avoid throwing your boomerang in a confined area to prevent damage or injury.
Practice and Tuning:
Throwing a boomerang takes practice and tuning. Don't be discouraged if your boomerang doesn't return to you right away. Experiment with different throwing angles and techniques. You can also try adjusting the boomerang's shape, adding layers, or changing the thickness of the cardboard to improve its performance.
Competition Standards:
If you want to test your skills further, you can try replicating competition standards. In official boomerang competitions, the boomerang must travel at least 20 meters (66 feet) from the thrower. Points are awarded for distance, accuracy, and catching the boomerang. The "Aussie Round" is considered the ultimate test of boomeranging skills, where the boomerang should cross a 50-meter (160-foot) circle and return to the center.
Remember, making and throwing a boomerang is a fun activity, so enjoy the process of testing and refining your cardboard boomerang!
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