Kites

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Barbara J. Feldman

Kites date back 3000 years, when the Chinese made them from bamboo and silk. Over the centuries kites have been used in religious ceremonies, scientific experiments, military maneuvers and, of course, for fun. Today's sites explore the history, the science and the sport of kite flying.

20 Kids * 20 Kites * 20 Minutes

5 stars

Can a classroom of twenty students make twenty kites, and be outside flying them in twenty minutes? You betcha! Uncle Jonathan from the Big Wind Kite Factory on the Hawaiian island of Molokai shares the kid-tested instructions he's been using with tour groups for fifteen years. The kites are folded from 8 « x 11 inch paper, so they are smaller than the usual kite, but the simple directions are easy enough for kindergartners, yet fun enough for big kids too!

How Does a Kite Fly?

4 stars

This eye-pleasing site, created for a Physics course, starts with a short explanation of drag and lift, then quickly moves on to other disciplines. Don't miss the folk tales from China, Bali and Hawaii (found on History of Kites page) or the interviews with kiters Michael Graves and Peter Peters. Instructions for building a simple diamond kite and a large list of kite links complete this site.

Learn2 Make a Kite

4 stars

This Learn2 lesson is actually two tutorials in one. The first set of instructions (Method 1) is a kite made from tissue paper and straw that costs almost nothing to build. Method 2 constructs a classic Scott Sled kite. It is a bit more time-consuming, but also more durable, as it is made from plastic tarp and dowels. To print the instructions, click on over to the last step of the second kite, where you'll find a link to All the Steps at Once.

Professor Kite and the Secrets of Kites

5 stars

Professor Kite teaches us how to pick the right kite for different days. "Deltas, Diamonds and Dragon kites fly well in light to medium winds (approximately 6-15 mph) while Box Kites and stickless Parafoil kites fly better when the winds get a little stronger (approximately 8-25 mph)." Flying is most fun in a medium wind, when you can do more than just hold on for dear life. Look for movement in the leaves and bushes, but not blowing or shaking. The Professor also explains how to get your kite to fly and lists important safety rules.

Virtual Kite Zoo

5 stars

"Come in and see my sketches and descriptions of kites of every shape and size, many of them also including historical, anecdotal, allegorical or aeronautical snippets of information." The Virtual Kite Zoo categorizes more than fifty types of kites. Start with the terminology page (unless you already know your longerons from your spreaders) and then take the guided tour. You can finish with the JavaScript kite quiz.