Tail Materials
Kite tails help balance the kite and look attractive in the wind. They’re often several yards long.
-Surveyor’s Tape is a light-weight plastic material. Several color choices are available.
-Kite Paper Strips in a variety of colors are useful tail material.
-Ribbon in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns is available.
Flying material
-Kite Line is used on the kite in order to balance the kite correctly when flying. All kites must include, at a minimum, a loop of kite line in order to attach the hook and handle.
-Flying Handle, hook, and line will be available to every group on the day we fly kites in class. The handle, hook, and line are pre-assembled. These will be returned at the end of the kite flying period. Please do your best to avoid knots or cutting the line so that they’re available for other groups to use.
Ordering Materials
1.Determine what materials your group needs.
2.Use the catalog and prices to correctly fill out a supply order form. Be sure to include labels for numbers (for example, 3 yards) – Don’t forget the kite line!
3.Total the cost of the materials on your order form.
4.Write a check for the amount, record it in your check registry, and subtract the amount from the balance. Make checks out to Dr. Dewing.
5.Bring your order form and check to Dr. Dewing’s Kite Supply Shop.
Kite Building Requirements
1.You must you a pattern/ measurements that you find in a book or online. Your kite will be much more likely to fly using an established pattern.
2.You may only use materials you purchase in class using your earned Dewing Dollars. You may not bring in any additional materials.
3.Your kite must include kite line with a loop. The loop will be used to attach the hook and handle on the day we fly kites.
4.All kites and materials will remain in the classroom.
5.Make sure everyone in your group has a part in creating the kite.
6.Kites must be finished at the end of the class period on Wednesday, May 20.
7.Clean up after yourselves and put materials away daily.
8.Have fun!
Recommendations
1.After you’ve selected the kite you want to make, use newspaper to create a mock-up pattern. Then decide what materials you need.
2.Attach the kite line to your kite in more than one place so it forms a triangle. If you attach the line in only one spot, depending on the shape, your kite may only spin.
3.Measure twice (or three times!) and cut once.
4.Plan your time. Spend apx. ½ -1 class periods selecting a pattern for your kite and making a newspaper mock-up. Spend 1 ½ -2 class periods building the kite. Spend apx. 1 class period on the design and attaching the flying line.
5.Work together when attaching the kite sail to the wooden spars. You want the sail to be stretched tight. If it’s loose, the kite may sag, and wind will get between the sail and the spars, and tear the kite apart.
6.Determine which tasks can be done at the same time by different group members.
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