Draft:Paper Dart

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Paper Dart
A simple paper DIY project that can stick into ceiling tiles.
Four "sticky note darts" on a granite countertop.
GenreOrigami, School prank

Paper Dart

The Paper Dart (also known as a Sticky Note Dart) is a specialized form of paper plane designed specifically for vertical launch and penetration into soft surfaces, such as school ceiling tiles. While traditional paper planes prioritize lift and glide ratio, the ceiling dart is a dense, wingless projectile optimized for velocity and ballistic accuracy.

Construction

The most common version is folded from a square 3x3 inch sticky note. The design involves multiple overlapping folds that concentrate the paper's mass into a reinforced, sharp point.

Technical Design

  • Mass Centralization: By folding a square into a narrow triangular shape, the center of gravity is moved to the extreme forward tip.
  • Wingless Profile: Most ceiling darts lack traditional wings, reducing drag and preventing the dart from "catching the air" and veering off course during an upward throw.
  • Reinforcement: In some controversial variations, students add weight using a staple or a straightened paper clip to increase the piercing power.

Throwing Technique

Unlike the overhand toss used for gliders, the ceiling dart is often launched using a "flick" method:

  1. The dart is held between the index and middle fingers.
  2. The thrower aims directly upward at a 90-degree angle.
  3. A rapid wrist extension (similar to a flick) provides the necessary force to pierce the mineral fiber of the ceiling tile.

School Culture and Controversy

The practice became a viral trend on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels between 2024 and 2026.

Impact

  • Maintenance: School custodians often have to use long poles or ladders to remove hundreds of lodged darts.
  • Safety: Many schools have banned the practice due to the risk of darts falling on students, especially if they have been "weighted" with metal components such as staples and paper and push pins.
  • Ceiling Damage: While the holes that these "darts" create are small, the sheer volume of darts can degrade the aesthetic and structural integrity of soft ceiling tiles over time.

See also

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