Bag-and-Newspaper Indiaca: Build It and Tune the Flight

Students build an indiaca, the game born from Brazilian peteca with a padded base and feathers, out of bags and newspaper, and adjust its weight until it flies well. It works on palm strikes and design problem-solving.

How to play

1. Quick intro to the indiaca and the Brazilian peteca it comes from; show a finished model (3 min).
2. Build the base: a flat ball of newspaper inside a bag, taped tight with the extra bag pointing up (8 min).
3. Make the feathers: cut the top of the bag into strips and tape them so they stand up (6 min).
4. Flight test: hit it upward with an open palm; if it spins or drops fast, add or remove paper or strips (8 min).
5. Partner challenge: palm passes trying to land the indiaca inside your partner's hoop (10 min).

Rules

• Always strike with an open hand; never catch it.
• Use scissors at a table or sitting on the floor.
• During testing, each pair stays in its area and hits upward.
• Clean bags with no food residue.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: passes from the wheelchair with a close partner and two touches allowed.
• Fine motor difficulties: work in threes, one holds while another tapes.
• Low vision: bright strips in the feathers to track the flight.

Learning goals

• Build a game implement from recycled materials.
• Adjust the design based on testing.
• Strike accurately with the palm.

Equipment for a class of 25

• plastic bags: 60
• newspaper sheets: 60
• packing tape: 6
• scissors: 15
• hoops: 6

Teacher tip

Ask for bags a week ahead and have extras. An indiaca that drops like a stone has too much paper; one that spins has crooked feathers. No newspaper? Classroom scrap paper works.

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