These simple paper shapes are very easy to make. When you drop them, they spin. When they are spinning they look like balloons – which is how they get their name. Blimps were a nickname for barrage balloons in the second wold war.
You can try dropping them in the position shown above, or vertically (with the round section pointing downwards) – both ways work.
Mark, rule and cut a line 2 cms wide.
Mark a line 1cm long, 4 cm from the end.
Now mark another 1 cm line 4 cm from the other end of the strip BUT ON THE OPPOSITE EDGE.
Cut both these lines
Then bring both these cuts together
Different Blimps
Try making the cuts at a different distance: Try 2 cm, 3cm, 5 cm and 6 cm from the ends.
Try different widths of paper strip.
Try different lengths.
Testing your Blimps
Get an adult to hold a blimp in each hand, hold them as high as they can, and drop them at the same time. Which design stays spinning in the air the longest?