Kitchen-table engineering for curious kids
Cardboard Cadets makes printable build-and-test challenges using paper, tape and household stuff. Each one turns a real engineering idea into an afternoon your kids can actually do.
Build it. Test it. Make it better.
1. Print at home
Instant PDF download. Regular printer paper, no special supplies.
2. Build and test
Fold, cut and tape, then fly it, measure it, and write down what happened.
3. Improve it
Change one thing and test again. That loop is how engineers work.
Take Flight
24 printable pages with 4 flight challenges for ages 3–10:
- Distance Dart: how far can it go?
- Hang-Time Glider: how long can it stay up?
- Spinning Copter: a paper rotor that spins as it falls
- Steer to the Target: bend the flaps, steer the landing
Plus a Family Air Show scorecard, an Official Flight Engineer certificate, and color-coded templates with no ruler needed.
$4.99 launch price through Nov 30, 2026, then $5.99 · instant download
Want more months? Quarter (3 packs) $14.99 · Year (12 packs) $49, or $39 founding price until Dec 9, 2026 · Co-op / classroom license $99.
Get Take Flight on Etsy
The Distance Dart Challenge
Not sure yet? Start with our free 8-page printable: fold-along steps, 3 dart templates, and a flight log for 6 throws. See what's inside.
Real aerospace engineering, shrunk to kitchen-table size
Cardboard Cadets is made by an aerospace engineer and dad of four homeschooled kids. He designs these activities to turn real engineering ideas into projects kids can do with paper, tape and a kitchen table.
- MIT-trained engineer
- Former aerospace engineer at Boeing and GE
- Entrepreneur in robotics and technology
- Dad of four homeschooled kids