Uploaded December 2016 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
Update to Easy Dragonfly Helicopter youtu.be/NitoyT4ydWo
The web page that accompanies this video is here: goo.gl/nvg1Ut
To get the materials, click here. goo.gl/BjfziS
This is the easiest and fastest way to make a Dragonfly Helicopter--good for young kids and hectic public events. For a more advanced Dragonfly Helicopter that you make your own propeller from a 2-liter bottle, click here. youtu.be/XjOp9fw3L9w
0:00 (1) Introduction
0:42 (2) Let's Get Started
Put a propeller on a balsa stick. Hold it close or else this might happen. (there are a few extra sticks if that happens)
1:08 (3) Rubber Band
Cut a piece 28 cm or 11”. Use sharp scissors to cut. Nonstick scissors (Teflon coated) work especially well)
Tying is easy, but confusing at first. The overhand is the simplest knot there is—just make a loop and put the end through. But we put the two ends together and treat them like one strand.
(By the way, mountain climbers know this as the European Death Knot!)
2:02 (4) Hook the Rubber Band The knot always goes in the back. (because it tends to get caught on the fuselage)
2:36 (5) Make the Wings
3:54 (6) Wind Up the Rubber Band
Your helicopter will go higher if you dab some soapsuds, liquid soap or shampoo right here to reduce friction.
Most people do not wind enough at first. The first 50 or so turns don’t do much. You can wind more than 150 turns.
4:23 (7) Alternate Paper Wings
Paper is heavier than foam and not as rigid, so it is not rigid enough to stick out far away from the fuselage. But these paper wings with lots of surface area compensate. Note that paper becomes very limp and weak in humid weather. It might stop working once it absorbs moisture from the air.
If this project works well for you, please help spread the word about a good hand-on science project. If it is not working well for you, communicate with me about what’s happening so we can solve the problem. You can leave a message in the comments section below.
Follow us on Facebook bit.ly/2BgXwcx
Twitter twitter.com/sciencetoymaker
Update to Easy Dragonfly Helicopter youtu.be/NitoyT4ydWo
The web page that accompanies this video is here: goo.gl/nvg1Ut
To get the materials, click here. goo.gl/BjfziS
This is the easiest and fastest way to make a Dragonfly Helicopter--good for young kids and hectic public events. For a more advanced Dragonfly Helicopter that you make your own propeller from a 2-liter bottle, click here. youtu.be/XjOp9fw3L9w
0:00 (1) Introduction
0:42 (2) Let's Get Started
Put a propeller on a balsa stick. Hold it close or else this might happen. (there are a few extra sticks if that happens)
1:08 (3) Rubber Band
Cut a piece 28 cm or 11”. Use sharp scissors to cut. Nonstick scissors (Teflon coated) work especially well)
Tying is easy, but confusing at first. The overhand is the simplest knot there is—just make a loop and put the end through. But we put the two ends together and treat them like one strand.
(By the way, mountain climbers know this as the European Death Knot!)
2:02 (4) Hook the Rubber Band The knot always goes in the back. (because it tends to get caught on the fuselage)
2:36 (5) Make the Wings
3:54 (6) Wind Up the Rubber Band
Your helicopter will go higher if you dab some soapsuds, liquid soap or shampoo right here to reduce friction.
Most people do not wind enough at first. The first 50 or so turns don’t do much. You can wind more than 150 turns.
4:23 (7) Alternate Paper Wings
Paper is heavier than foam and not as rigid, so it is not rigid enough to stick out far away from the fuselage. But these paper wings with lots of surface area compensate. Note that paper becomes very limp and weak in humid weather. It might stop working once it absorbs moisture from the air.
If this project works well for you, please help spread the word about a good hand-on science project. If it is not working well for you, communicate with me about what’s happening so we can solve the problem. You can leave a message in the comments section below.
Follow us on Facebook bit.ly/2BgXwcx
Twitter twitter.com/sciencetoymaker
