Let’s go Fly a Kite…Up, in the Atmosphere!!!

For this major grade project, you will be designing, constructing, and flying a kite. You may work in teams of

no more than 2 students, from the same class period. You are completing this activity outside of class. So, pick

a partner that you have weekend and/or evening access to. Reference material is available in the library and on

the internet. All kites will be flown on Thursday, March 10th

(weather permitting). If you know you’re going to

be gone, you will need to fly your kite before you leave! Please see your teacher ASAP to make arrangements.

Directions:

Step 1: Get together with your partner and research kite construction. If you choose a pre-made plan,

you must rewrite it in your own words and create your own scale drawing. No printed internet plans will

be accepted and you will be charged with plagiarism.

Only requirement: the shorter diagonal must be at least 20 inches long. Construction materials are

completely up to you.

Step 2: The names of the team members, a copy of the scale drawing with dimensions (all

measurements in inches), and a materials list with construction plans must be turned in by Friday,

February 26th

.

Step 3: Build your kite! Then, using measuring tools (ruler, protractor etc.) you will need take

measurements for your kite and fill out the worksheet.

Step 4: Have your kite ready to fly and your worksheet ready to turn in by Thursday, March 10th

Bonus!!

You can receive up to 5 bonus points if you make a 3-D kite in addition to your regular kite. In order to receive

credit, the 3-D kite must fly. (Research 3-D kite construction online)

**Note** To classify as flying, the kite must be 10 feet off the ground and stay in the air for at least 20

Seconds

Here are some helpful tips:

This site has some great plans and ideas! : http://www.kitebuilder.com/plans.html

Use Google to search kites, scale drawings and models. There are a LOT of great ideas and websites you

can use. Remember, your ideas must be your own, but you might need something to help get you

inspired.

Stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby have kite kits. Please do not purchase a “take and make” kite

and turn it in as your own. Again, you will be charged with plagiarism and given a zero.

You may want to build and trying flying your kite several days in advance. Don’t let the day we go

outside be the first time your kite is flown!

A good kite usually has a tail! :)

Name(s) _________________________________________________________ Period ________

Scale Drawing: Please use the grid below to create a scale drawing of your kite. Assign each grid a certain

number of inches, then sketch what your kite is going to look like based on actual measurements. Please label

all parts with measurements. Remember, your shorter diagonal MUST be at least 20 inches.

Scale 1 in= _________

Name(s) _________________________________________________________ Period ________

Materials List: In the space below, list the materials you plan to use in the construction of your kite.

Construction Plans: In the space below, provide a description of how you plan to construct your kite. Include

details such as how the materials from above will be used in the construction.

Name(s) _________________________________________________________ Period ________

Dimensions: Please assign the letters ABCDE to your kite starting at the top, working your way around toward the right side and

finally putting E at the intersection of the diagonals. Then, using your measure tools, trigonometry, area formulas or Pythagorean

Theorem; fill in the following information. All measurements must be in inches. Round side lengths to the nearest tenth and give all

angles to the nearest degree.

Segment Length

AB = ______________

BC = ______________

CD = ______________

AD = ______________

AE = ______________

CE = ______________

BE = ______________

DE = ______________

AC = ______________

BD = ______________

Reflections: After you have built your kite and tested it’s flying, please respond to the following questions.

Please use the back for addition space if you need it.

1. Did your kite fly the first time? If so, did you have to make any changes? If not, what was the

biggest problem?

2. How did your scale drawing help you build your kite? Did you deviate from your plan or did you

follow it exactly?

3. What advice would you have for next year’s classes in designing their kites?

Angle Measure

m ABC = ______________

m BCD = ______________

m CDA = ______________

m DAB = ______________

m ABE = ______________

m BEA = ______________

m EAB = ______________

m CBE = ______________

m BEC = ______________

m ECB = ______________

m ADE = ______________

m DEA = ______________

m EAD = ______________

m CDE = ______________

m DEC = ______________

m ECD = ______________

Triangle Perimeter

ABC = ______________

ADC = ______________

ABD = ______________

CBD= ______________

ABE = ______________

CBE = ______________

ADE = ______________

CDE = ______________

Triangle Area

ABC = ______________

ADC = ______________

ABD = ______________

CBD= ______________

ABE = ______________

CBE = ______________

ADE = ______________

CDE = ______________

Kite Perimeter

ABCD = ______________

Kite Area

ABCD = ______________

The following shows how your grade will be determined. Please turn in this sheet with your names on the

first check in day with step 2.

Name(s) __________________________, _____________________________ Period ______

Rubric:

Scale Drawing

1 2 3 4 5

Materials List

1 2 3 4

Construction Plans

1 2 3 4

Actual Measurements

1 2 3 4 5

Reflections

1 2 3 4 5

Kite Flies

0 1 2

Total Points = _____ / 25

3-D Kite Points = _____

Final Grade = ______