# Gliders by Design — Authentic STEM Learning

> Design, build, and analyze handheld gliders for STEM education. (iPhone/iPad app by Seeds Software.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gliders-by-design/id1191116900 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Seeds Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/507836260)
- Category: Education, Games, Simulation
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 31 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-01-05
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gliders-by-design/id1191116900/reviews.md

## What is Gliders by Design?

Harness the incredible power of your iPad or MacOS desktop computer. Design impressive handheld gliders that you can easily put together. Create whole squadrons of your very own designs that you can make soar! Have a contest to see who can design and build the best glider.

All you need is our software, along with your iPad, scissors, a metric ruler, card stock and/or balsa wood, a little clay, and a bottle of super glue (for card stock gliders) or a hot glue gun (for balsa wood gliders).

This software is a true designing application that includes authentic glider analyses and predictions. It requires a bit more effort to design and build your own gliders to fly instead of just watching simulations, or using prebuilt designs, but the payoff can be well worth it. By building your own gliders you will quickly learn much more about flight, while likely feeling far more empowered and satisfied seeing your designs glide off into the distance. 

The software is already a great success at many schools (students 11 years old and up).

## Key features

- Handheld glider design
- Authentic glider analysis
- Flight predictions
- Build and fly custom designs
- STEM learning tool
- School success

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gliders-by-design/id1191116900/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Fun Building Flying Learning

*2017-01-21*

I'm really impressed by this app.  My teens are into airplanes and had a lot of fun building and flying the airplanes they designed.  We all learn a lot about aerodynamics and airplane design in the process.  You can learn as little or as much as you want.  The airplanes are easy, quick and inexpensive to build.  It was especially fun using the program to come up with different designs and fly them off against one another.  Made us feel like we were real life airplane designers.

## Frequently asked questions about Gliders by Design

### What materials are needed to build gliders with Gliders by Design?

In addition to the software on your iPad or Mac, you'll need scissors, a metric ruler, card stock and/or balsa wood, a little clay, and either super glue (for card stock) or a hot glue gun (for balsa wood).

### What is the learning methodology behind Gliders by Design?

The app focuses on hands-on learning by having users design and build physical gliders. This practical approach aims to deepen understanding of flight principles and engineering concepts more effectively than simulations alone.

### Does Gliders by Design offer progress tracking for students?

The provided information does not specify built-in progress tracking features within the software. However, educators can likely implement their own tracking methods based on student projects and contest outcomes.

### What is the age rating for Gliders by Design?

Gliders by Design has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It has been noted as a success in schools for students aged 11 and up.

### How often is Gliders by Design updated?

The latest version, 5.0, was last updated on January 31, 2026. This indicates a potential for regular updates, though specific update frequency is not detailed.

### What devices does Gliders by Design support?

Gliders by Design is currently supported on iPads. The description also mentions MacOS desktop computers, suggesting broader compatibility for design work.

### What do users like about Gliders by Design?

Users appreciate the authentic glider analyses and predictions, and the satisfaction derived from building and seeing their own designs fly. The app is praised for its educational value and empowering approach to learning about flight.

### Is Gliders by Design free to use?

No, Gliders by Design is a paid application. It is available for purchase at $4.99.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.0 — 2026-01-31

Update (renew) app certificates

### 4.0 — 2025-02-08

Minor fixes and security updates through iOS18

### 3.2 — 2021-11-28

Updated App for iOS 15

### 3.1 — 2018-10-17

Updated to be compatible with iOS12

### 3.0 — 2017-01-05

No release notes.

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## More apps by Seeds Software

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All apps by Seeds Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/507836260

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*