Homeschool Science: Kite-Flying
Now that the blustery spring weather is upon us, we have the perfect sunny afternoons to go kite-flying–and slip in some homeschool science lessons in physics and aerodynamics. Check out this Homeschool Living for some great ways to teach physics in your homeschool through an engaging hands-on activity, fun examples of aerodynamics, and even ideas on how to make your own kite.
Flying Physics
The physics behind kite flying introduces elements like lift, drag, thrust, and weight. An afternoon of kite flying is one of best hands-on ways to demonstrate these key concepts.
Did you know that the Wright brothers used kites for years to study aerodynamics prior to their first successful airplane flight? The kite science project from Science Buddies brings your kite lesson up into the upper grade levels and gives your middle and high school students practice in performing scientific research, formulating a hypothesis, staging an experiment, and documenting results.
Homeschool Science DIY Kites
Though kite-flying can seem pretty simple and basic, it’s not quite as easy as it looks. Having a plan for introducing your kids to the sport and teaching them how to launch and fly a kite can help prevent frustration and defeat if everything doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d like. These tips from champion competitive kite flyer, John Barresi, will help you find the right kite, predict the wind, and get–and keep!– that kite in the air.
There are a ton of ideas and templates for DIY kites available online, from elaborate construction to beautiful designs to classically simple. You can check out some of the most popular–and doable–methods for DIY kites made out of paper and recycled plastic.
If the weather isn’t cooperating or you just can’t get to a good open place to try your hand at flying real kites right now, check out these ten kite crafts for kids to keep the kite fun a little closer to home.
For more ways to teach and learn aerodynamics, check out this Homeschool Living post, “Taking Flight: The Wright Brothers and the History of Airplanes.”
Megan Mora Fuentes
