Want to build a kite in less than 5 minutes? This kite is basically a paper airplane on a string. It’s fast and easy to make. The best thing about this kite is that it needs next to no wind to get airborne, so you can simply run with it to get it up in the sky.
You'll need to get: 11”x17” sheet of paper (you can also tape two 8.5" x 11" sheets together to make this size), 10 feet of string, two donut stickers (also known as page reinforcement stickers), a stapler, and a straw.
Why does this kite fly? This kite soars because you’re holding the kite at the correct angle to the wind. The kite actually has two things (scientifically speaking) going on that help it fly: first, the shape of the wing cause a pressure difference that create lift under the wing surface, the same way that real airplanes generate lift. Second, the angle that the kite hits the wind generates impact lift on the kite, the same way fighter jets generates lift, since fighter jet’s wings are not curved like an airplane’s. In an airplane, the wind flows both over and under the kite, and with this shape, the air flying over the kite is traveling a bit faster than the wind under the kite. Higher wind speed means lower pressure, so the underside of the kite now has a relatively higher pressure, thus pushing the kite upwards into the sky.
Can I add string to any paper airplane and make it into a kite? Anytime someone asks us a question like this, we respond with a very enthusiastic: “I don’t know. Try it!” Then we offer enough tools for the job with a smile. We want kids experimenting with new ideas (even if we’re not entirely sure if they will work). So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, test out your ideas, and prepared to learn.
Here's what you need to do:
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You'll need to get: 11”x17” sheet of paper (you can also tape two 8.5" x 11" sheets together to make this size), 10 feet of string, two donut stickers (also known as page reinforcement stickers), a stapler, and a straw.
Why does this kite fly? This kite soars because you’re holding the kite at the correct angle to the wind. The kite actually has two things (scientifically speaking) going on that help it fly: first, the shape of the wing cause a pressure difference that create lift under the wing surface, the same way that real airplanes generate lift. Second, the angle that the kite hits the wind generates impact lift on the kite, the same way fighter jets generates lift, since fighter jet’s wings are not curved like an airplane’s. In an airplane, the wind flows both over and under the kite, and with this shape, the air flying over the kite is traveling a bit faster than the wind under the kite. Higher wind speed means lower pressure, so the underside of the kite now has a relatively higher pressure, thus pushing the kite upwards into the sky.
Can I add string to any paper airplane and make it into a kite? Anytime someone asks us a question like this, we respond with a very enthusiastic: “I don’t know. Try it!” Then we offer enough tools for the job with a smile. We want kids experimenting with new ideas (even if we’re not entirely sure if they will work). So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, test out your ideas, and prepared to learn.
Here's what you need to do:
Please login or register to read the rest of this content.
Please email a picture of the entire kite from a couple different views to [email protected]. I’ll try to help you see what needs to be adjusted.
Why is my kite not working?! I tried both holes. I ended up exhausted, cold, and sad with a limp kite in my hands. What went wrong?????
Usually this kite will pop right up behind the kids as they start running around.
My best recommendation is to go about this the way a real scientist would – first by making a couple more versions, changing the distance that you staple it to the keel. Start with 1” from the nose, then 2” then 3” and then 4”. See if you notice a difference in the way that these fly – there will be one that really works better than the others. Then you can play with “before the staple” and “after the staple” string attachment.
Remember the whole point to doing these experiments is to start to think like a scientist – notice what’s going on, and then make adjustments as you go along. Troubleshooting is one of the key components to doing successful science.
No, you should have access to all of the projects in the Kites section. I’ll have Tonya connect with you to check on your account.
our kite cannot get caught by the wind. what is happening?
It looks like the only kite experiment I have access to with the K-8 program is the Bat Kite. Is this correct?
That sounds really odd… when you say it flies upside down, I am wondering how it’s able to fly with the string attached to the top? Can you send me a close-up picture of the kite or even better, a video of you flying it so I can see what’s going on a mane make suggestions? You can send it to my email: [email protected]
We’ll get this figured out!
Hi Aroura, my name is Andie. I have a question about the bat kite. Why does my kite only fly upside down? I have tried tying the string to each of three different holes.
Sure! Try it!! (Just like a real scientist!)
Let me know how it goes!
Can you use a smaller piece of paper?
Hmmm… I wonder what you mean by it didn’t fly. What exactly did the kite do? Spin in circles? Drag on the ground? Which hole (before or after the staple) did you use, and how did the kite respond when you ran with it?
It didn’t fly used. copy paper taped down the middle tried both holes we made three of them one for all. It looked just like yours did?
We finally tried this one and the kids went right outside to test them. Even Dad got involved! Not much wind to start with so they got a little exercise too, but then they flew while standing still. They couldn’t wait to build more and decorate them. We used yarn and copy paper. Science camp, check!
we did it! my 3 year old is out flying with her big brother (6 years). they just bust through the door super excited then they asked “can we build a robot now?” (shaking my head)
Construction paper might be – I’ve not tried that before. I do know that construction paper can be up to 5X as dense as regular paper, and it is thicker, so it’s going to be a lot heavier for the same wingspan. What happens if you increase the size and try again?
its a very windy day, but this kite doesnt fly. is it just meant to fly while running? is our paper (construction paper) too heavy? string too heavy? it just kinda twirls and flops. we added a tail and nothing helps.