Kite Design

Kite Trivia! The largest kite in the world is flown each year in Hoshubana, Japan, a small village near Tokyo. It is 36 feet wide and 48 feet long - almost as large as a regulation tennis court! Weighing nearly a ton, this paper and bamboo giant has 200 bridle lines, each one as thick as a broomstick. Depending upon the wind, 50 or more men are needed to send the kite aloft.

INVESTIGATION

Answer the following questions:

1. Prepare a timeline highlighting at least ten important events leading up to the development of modern air travel.

2. Do a research about the different types of kites used in various cultures throughout the ages? What are the materials used to make them?

   1. Find at least four different kite designs with a visual (photo or drawing) and a brief description of each kite design.

3. Record your guiding questions and sources you have used. You need to use a minimum of three appropriate sources.

Some useful links

Beginner’s Guide to Kites: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/bgk.html

The Drachen Foundation: http://www.drachen.org/learn/kite-cultures

History of Flight: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/UEET/StudentSite/historyofflight.html

History of Flight: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/wb-timeline.html

Kite Specifications

1. Time in the air: Kite has to fly for more than 30 seconds

2. Height from from the ground: Kite has to fly at least 5m high

3. Creativity: Kite has to reflect your culture or identity

4. Realistic: You can create the kite in 3 class periods using available materials.

4. Add one more specification...

DESIGN

Create 3 unique kite designs that reflect an aspect of your identity (eg: nationality, favorite band, animal, etc...). None of the designs can be the "simple kit" but variations of the design are allowed.

Some Kite Design / Plan Websites

http://www.instructables.com/tag/type-id/?sort=none&q=kites

http://www.my-best-kite.com/how-to-make-a-kite.html

http://www.kiteplans.org/

http://www.kitebuilder.com/plans.html    

http://www.squawkfox.com/2009/07/06/kite-designs-how-to-make-a-kite/

http://www.kiteplans.org/

http://www.my-best-kite.com/kite-plans.html

http://www.cobrakite.com/kite_idx.html

http://www.kitebuilder.com/plans.html

PLANING

Create a step-by-step plan of how you will construct your kite. The plan should be detailed enough that someone could follow it to create the same kite.

• • Write down a sequence of work and the time each bit will take.

  • List the materials that you will need and check for availability.

  • Evaluate your plan - what part will be hardest?

CREATE

Create your kite following your plan. Post a a photo of your final kite design.

EVALUATION

Flying the Kite - Launching

In good winds, you should be able to launch your kite from your hand. Standing with your back to the wind, hold your kite up to catch the wind. Let the line out smoothly, as fast as the wind lifts your kite.

In light or gusty winds, a high-start launch can help get your kite up to the steadier winds above. Have someone hold your kite at least 100 feet downward from you with the string stretched tight. When your assistant releases the kite, reel in line as needed to make it climb. In very light winds, leave your reel on the ground and pull in line hand-over-hand. Running is the hardest way to launch a kite and the uncontrolled tugging on the line can make the kite dive and crash. Let the wind and your reel do the work for you. 

Reflection:

How did your kite fly? What design(s) fly better than others? How could your design be changed for your kite to fly better?