KITE CALAMITY Kite

KITE CALAMITY Kite Calamity You’ve found an article in the local newsletter: Activity Card NEWS LETTER KITE CALAMITY Despite perfect weather, the only thing that filled the air yesterday were moans and groans as the first Startown Amateur Kite Festival dramatically failed to get off the ground. Organiser Sunny Day told us, “This is a festival for beginners. Everyone worked so hard to make the kites. They all looked fantastic. But not one of them flew. What a calamity!” Kite enthusiast Fly Further said, “If there is anyone out there who can help us, we would love to hear from them.” Your challenge Help Sunny Day and Fly Further to design a kite that will fly. You can start by making a small model kite. Discuss Talk to your buddy. What is a kite? How does a kite fly? What styles of kites are there?

Getting started A kite is made up of different parts including support sticks, cover, tail and flying line. You will need 5 cocktail sticks to make the struts. Cut out the cover the same size as the one on the front of this sheet. Glue the sticks onto the cover, 2 across and 3 down (overlapping) Attach your flying line, with sellotape, where the sticks cross. Fasten a tail at the bottom. Add aluminium foil bows. KITE CALAMITY KITE CALAMITY Test your ideas What’s the best way to test it? You could try outside or use an electric fan. What might make your kite work better? Would other shapes fly? Share your ideas Talk about why some kites didn’t fly. What might help to solve problems such as a kite spinning in circles or flying to one side? Draw the kite that you would like to take to the Startown Amateur Kite Festival. Make a fantastic display of your kites. LAMITY Extra things to do Kites have been around for about 3000 years. Can you find out more about who developed the first kites? Try to make a large version of your kite. What can you do to make it fly? British Science Association Registered Charity No. 212479 and SC039236