Go Fly a Kite!

CONCEPTS: The lighter in weight the kite, the less force from the wind it needs to keep it in the air and also the lighter kite line is needed to hold it. When a kite is stationary in the air, all three of these forces--wind force up and forward, weight of kite (and line) downward, and tension in the line downward and back--must add up to zero. (Remember, Newton said that an object will remain at rest unless acted upon by a (net or unbalanced) force!) Bringing it back to Earth requires pulling on the line with a force stronger than the force of the wind.

THE ACTIVITY: The children will construct a simple kite with paper, tape, plastic straws, paper streamers for the tail, and sewing thread for the kite line.

Materials and facilities needed to be supplied by the class: Each child should bring a spool of sewing thread (any color) for the kite line. Each group should have markers (not crayons because of the weight they add to the paper) to decorate the kites, if desired. To fly the kites we'll need a large outdoor area free of trees and power lines. Best flying conditions are in steady, light winds over a dry field.

Wisconsin Science Standards:

Physical Science: D4.4

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