Kites are a perfect teaching tool, offering lessons in art, science, mathematics, history, recreation, culture, geography and, well -- fun!
If you would like to do a short unit on kites for your class we have everything you need in this section. The end of this section has headings on Geography, History, Science and Math. You can pick and choose and use the material appropriate for the age group involved. However, the centerpiece of any kiting instruction (at least from the kids' point of view) has to be a hands-on kite building workshop. We have plans for making very simple plastic bag or paper kites using materials readily available (scotch tape, bbq skewers, etc.). Or, if you would prefer a more "turnkey" approach, we can direct you to sources for complete kits with eveything included.
A good place to start might be to download the American Kitefliers Association manual, "Kites in the Classroom". (Just click on the link - it's a 896 KB Adobe PDF file.) There is a wealth of information for teachers in that manual as well as a number of suitable workshop plans.
Former AKA President Richard Dermer and his wife Marti have taught thousands of kids to make a simple plastic sled kite that is easy to build and flys well. They have available a complete kit that includes sails, spars, tails and flying line to build 25 kites. It's cost is $12.50 plus $5.00 shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Richard Dermer
1121 W. Eskridge Place
Stillwater OK 74075
405-372-6127
They also have an excellent instructional video that teaches teachers how to run a workshop for kids making that plastic sled kite. It is available from the American Kitefliers Association for $10.00 by calling 1-800-252-2550. (As you may suspect, both of the above items are offered as a service to you pretty much at cost).
If you would like a do a quick workshop for younger kids with a really, really simple paper sled kite made from a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper that can fly on sewing thread, try the Boka Boka Phillipine Sled . Plans courtesy of Charlie Sotich.
And don't forget, every one of those kids will want to decorate his or her creation! Make sure you have plenty of different colored crayons or markers or whatever is appropriate for the type of sail you are using.
Materials compiled and edited by David Gomberg & NKM Web Volunteers.
All materials reprinted with permission. Please use these resources to promote kiting. Much of this material is copyrighted. Please do not re-print them on private web pages or in commercial applications without permission. Teachers may copy and use the above resources for educational purposes only.
