ABSTRACT
In this chapter children explore the forces involved in flying kites and apply their learning to design and make a kite. On a breezy day, take children outside with a range of supermarket carrier bags. Begin by giving children time to explore standing, walking and running with a bag to experience the wind filling it with air and feeling the force. Wind is air that is moving from one place to another. Thrust is created when the wind blows; how fast the air moves has an effect on how well the kite flies. Children apply a range of mathematical understanding and skills when making a kite, from measuring the dimensions of the kite and timing how long it remains in flight to using symmetry and 2D/3D shapes in designing their kite. Their designs might be based on historical and geographical research into kites from around the world including Chinese, Japanese and Indian fighting kites.
