Balsa Wood Glider Workshop Series

Program Details

WHEN: May 28, 2026

TIME: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

MAKE STUDIO WORKSHOP SERIES

THURSDAYS MAY 28-JUNE 11 | 5:30-7 PM | MAKE STUDIO | AGES 10+ | FREE

Three-session workshop series to learn about and create the perfect balsa wood glider. No experience necessary.

THE PERFECT BALSA WOOD GLIDER  

INCLUDED DATES: MAY 28, JUNE 4, JUNE 11

INSTRUCTOR: Andrew J. Huang 

This short class relives my path to Rocket Science. As a child of the 1960s space race, all things of air and space were the rage. Model airplanes were the way people of all ages joined the fascination with space, many following it through to NASA, the moon landing, and etc. However, I stopped at gliders for their simplicity and the simple beauty of wings and tail. Over the course of three 1.5hr workshops, participants will build a glider, have an in-depth flight lab to perfect it, and refine skills for continuing this simple and wonderful tradition.

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN:

  • How to assemble a balsawood plane 

  • How to finely tune a balsawood plane, for the perfect flight 

  • A good sense of the materials and techniques  

TAKEAWAYS:

  • A beautiful balsawood plane 

MATERIALS TO BRING:

Close toed shoes and clothes for the shop environment.  

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Trained as a rocket scientist (Aerospace Engineering, Princeton), but built a career as a computer scientist at the dawn of the internet.  After a decade of programming, pursued (and caught!) a doctorate in Computer Science (Brandeis University)  to finally learn something about programming.  Returning the favor, taught at Boise State University briefly before returning to industry.  Currently retired. 

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