Origami Box (used As Air-powered Vehicle Body)

We're (my daughter and me) making an air-powered vehicle. This is another brand new project for me, and I wanted to try it out on my daughter before I take it into a classroom.

But first, we must learn to make a box. OK. It seems a little odd that I should start off this project by teaching you have to make a box, but it will all make sense soon.

I saw a variation of this project in a science project kit/book combo. However, I can't afford to spend almost $17/student (since I collect $10/year/student), so I had to figure out a way to make it affordable.

The box will become the body of the vehicle. I can easily ask the students to bring a box for this project, but I want uniformity. So, we'll make a box.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies.

Two pieces of construction paper
Scissors

Step 2: Fold & Cut.

Fold one corner of the construction paper.
Cut the excess and make a square.

Step 3: Fold & Fold, Again.

Put the two opposite corners together and fold it in half to make a triangle.
Fold the top of the triangle (pointy-end) toward the bottom of the triangle in half.
Fold it in half again.

Step 4: Creating Guidelines.

This is what you get - a square with vertical folding grids.
Now, repeat the folding process in the opposite direction.
- Fold the square in half, creating a triangle.
- Fold it in half and then half, again.
Now, you have a square with both vertical and horizontal folding grids.

Step 5: Cut & Fold.

Fold the opposite ends together to make a triangle.
Then from the top of the triangle, make a cut two squares in from the pointy-end. Leave one square from the bottom of the triangle uncut.
Leave the pointy-end pieces alone, for now.
Then fold in the side pieces toward the center of the box. The box should be two squares wide and one square deep.
Then fold the pointy-end pieces over the folded pieces and tuck it under the piece.