Let’s take the science outdoors this summer and learn the physics of flying! In this experiment, we’ll build our own kites and explore why certain design choices help it soar best.
MATERIALS:
Soft, thin plastic (like a trash bag)
Scissors
A marker that will be visible on the plastic
Ruler
String
Thin sticks or skewers
Tape
TIME ESTIMATED:
20 minutes
DIRECTIONS:
First, use the ruler and marker to draw a 16-inch line on the plastic.
Six inches from the top, draw a 12-inch line going across the first to make a cross shape. Make sure it’s centered so there are 6 inches on both sides!
Connect all the lines to make a diamond shape and cut it out.
Cut out a thin, long piece of plastic to make a tail for your kite.
Tape the tail to the long end of your diamond shape, or the side with the tallest triangle.
Now tape two sticks together along the first 16 inch line. Be sure to put tape at both ends and the center so it’s secured to the plastic!
Next, tape another stick to the second line.
Cut two pieces of string so you have one that is 16 inches long and another that is 12 inches.
Tape the strings along the sticks matching their lengths. This time, only tape at the ends so the string is loose at its center.
Cut a third string that is twice the length of your arm and tie it around where the other two strings meet. Double knot it so your kite doesn’t come loose!
Finally, take it outside on a breezy day and watch it fly! Notice the direction it points while soaring through the air.
Think LIke a Scientist!
What makes a kite fly?
Why did we put a tail on our kite?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Kites stay in the air because of a force called lift, which is the same force that helps airplanes and birds fly! When the kite is slanted at an angle, the bottom of the kite hits more of the oncoming air than the top. Because of this, the air flowing past the bottom actually moves slower than the air moving across the top. This creates a difference in pressure that pushes the kite upwards and lets it soar! This is also why we added a tail. The extra weight on the back helps our kite stay balanced at the best angle for flight, with its front pointed slightly up.
Further exploration:
Scientists use the idea of lift in all sorts of things, ranging from building aircrafts to studying the weather. One new and super important project scientists have been working on is using kites for renewable energy. It’s called “kite power,” and currently each kite can power around 60 homes, although scientists are working on making that number much larger. Basically, two kites get tied together so when one rises, the other one descends— the more they are in motion, the more energy they produce!
Anticipated Concerns
Be sure to have an adult nearby when using the scissors!
Looking for more fun at-home STEM activities for your young scientist? Check out our workbook full of exciting science experiments and empowering activities!
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