Here is a great summer fun activity from the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis: Build a box kite!
This colorful free 4-page download aimed at Grades 3–5 explores how air causes kites to fly. In the process kids will also learn about the history of kites and the different elements of engineering design.
Building a Box Kite
- Explain the engineering design process: design, build, test, evaluate, repeat.
- Urge students to make careful observations of their kites as they move through
the air. How well does it glide? Is the kite stable? Have the students think about
their observations and develop a hypothesis about how the shape, length, and
material of the kite’s tail affects its ability to move.- Based on their hypotheses, have students modify the kite tails to improve their ability to fly. Test the kites a few more times, and have students make observations about how the kite flies. What types of tail designs improve the kite’s ability to fly?
You can use a scientific method sheet to answer the questions above (or just use narration and keep it simple). The materials needed are things you likely already have handy at home.
Great way to keep ’em learning … and free!
Free Resource
Additional Resources
12 Fun Ways to Learn with Kites
12 more ways you can go fly a kite — and learn something along the way.
Fun and Wonderful Kites {Free Unit Study}
If you are looking for a summer fun and educational activity, explore, experiment, and have fun with kites! You’ll find many more resources here including the science behind flying kites.
