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Working in teams of four, learners build tetrahedral kites following specific instructions and using specific materials. They use the basic processes of manufacturing systems--cutting, shaping, forming, conditioning, assembling, joining, finishing, and quality control--to manufacture complete tetrahedral kites within a given time frame. Investigating questions encourage learners to reflect about the engineering and manufacturing process. Activity contains recommended resources about the history of kites and their construction.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- kite string
- glue sticks
- 4 full size sheets of tissue paper per kite
- 7 3/4" tall plastic straws (not the flexible kind), 60 per kite
- pipe cleaners (1 per kite)
- scissors
- poster board or oak tag (1/4 board per kite)
- pencils
- Kite Template & Instructions
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
-
Geometry
- Solid Geometry
-
Geometry
-
Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Outdoor Activity
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Center for Engineering Educational Outreach, Tufts University
Source Collection
- TeachEngineering
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2013