May 2006 Activity

Flying Kite

20 Minute Kite
by Jonathan Socher

This stunningly simple kite design comes from Jonathan Socher of Molokai, Hawaii, who regularly builds these diminutive flyers with local school groups. Jonathan prides himself on being able to get 20 kids to make 20 kites in 20 minutes, though we're suggesting you make only enough for your household!

What You Need:

  • 1 sheet of 8.5-by-11inch brightly colored paper

  • ruler

  • pencil

  • 3/4inch masking or clear tape

  • wire snips

  • thin bamboo skewer 
    (such as used for kebabs)

  • plastic surveyor's tape in a bright color (available at hardware stores)

  • hole punch

  • 10ft. of string (or more, if flying clear of hazards)

  • small piece of cardboard

Time needed: under 1 hour

 

How To Make It:

  1. Fold the sheet of paper in half widthwise. Step 1
    Use a ruler and pencil to measure and draw a diagonal line, as indicated.

  2. Place the ruler against the line and crease the paper along it. Step 2

  3. Fold back the top layer of paper and tape along the fold line. Trim any excess tape. Step 3

  4. Using wire snips, trim the bamboo skewer to 8 inches in length. Step 4
    Position the skewer as a brace across the top back of the kite and firmly tape it down.

  5. Cut a 6-foot kite tail from the surveyor's tape. Tape it to the rear edge of the kite. Next, flip the kite over and fold the flap (to which you'll tie the string) back and forth until it stands straight up.

  6. Fold a small piece of tape over the edge of the flap about 3 inches from the top. Punch a hole through the tape 1/4 inch in from the folded edge. Tie one end of the string through the hole.

  7. To make a string winder, tie the other end of the string around the middle of the cardboard, securing it with a strip of tape. Wind on the rest of the string, and you're ready to fly!

Source of craft is from http://www.familyfun.com