Let's Go Fly Some Kites
General Math II
Mrs. Kilpatrick

Objectives: The Student will:

• Research the history of kites

• build a kite using a pre-selected design and set of directions

• design and build a unique kite including a set of directions and blueprints

• successfully fly both kites

Part 1:

Research the history of kites:

Using the Internet and other sources, research the history of kites including when and where kites began, the use of kites, the different cultures who use kites, the basic varieties of kite designs, and the basic parts of kites and their functions.

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Part 2:
Build a Kite: This portion may be completed in pairs.

Select a kite to build from Math Project Series: Building kites - Flying high with math, Dale Nancy Ann Belsky, Seymour Publications1995.

Kite choices include:

• sled kite
• box kite
• tetrahedral kite

List all materials needed, specify colofy when possible, and give to teacher 1 week prior to building.

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Part 3:

Design a unique kite:

• Unique kite designs must be complete on the computer using the paint or draw program.
• Designs must be easily understood.
• Designs must include written directions
• One set of materials must be included with the design.
• A proto-type must also be made.

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Sites to visit:

• Go Fly a Kite
• Chinese History of Kites
• Kite Flier's Site
• Go Fly a Kite - from Hawaii

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Please note:

The Internet is a great tool for research. In fact, it has so much information that it can sometimes become overwhelming. It is recommended that the Interned be used only to get a taste of the endless possibilities associated with kites and their designs. The history of kites might be better found using periodicals or boks and magazines found in the library. Any sources used in the research paper and in the blueprint design and directions must be cited appropriately.

The Internet also offers a variety of sites which include kite designs. Use these sites to get ideas for a unique design. Do not copy an already existing design.

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Grading:

Your grade will depend on the following:

Completion of the research paper
spelling/punctuation
cited
Completion of pre-designed kite
neat and followed directions
Completion of unique Kite
designs included
directions included
proto-type
Did the kite fly?

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