Let’s Fly a Kite!
Through building a kite and constructing an informative poster you will demonstrate your ability to:
- square or cube a whole number and/or find the square root of a perfect square.
- represent or solve problems using ratios and proportions.
- convert measurements.
- determine measures of perimeter, and surface area.
- identify and/or describe properties of angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and other various geometric shapes.
- compute measures of sides of right triangles using the Pythagorean Theorem.
- describe, analyze and/or draw translations, rotations (90, 180 and 360 degrees) and reflections.
- identify symmetry within an object.
Kite Project
Helpful tools
Geometry
Discuss the geometry of the kite. Most kites are formed using a standard geometric shape. Describe the shape of the kite using proper geometric terms.
Right Angles
All kites form a right angle somewhere within the object. Locate a right angle and prove it is a right angle using the Pythagorean Theorem.
Area
Calculate the area of a kite. Divide the kite into triangles and/or rectangles to calculate the area. Remember area of a rectangle is length times width, while the area of a triangle is base times height divided by two. Total area of the kite is the sum of all parts.
Area of a Rectangle = Length x Width
Area of Triangle = ½ (Base x Height)
Area= sum of parts
Aspect Ratio
Calculate the aspect ratio of the kite. Kites with the same area can have different aspect ratios. The aspect ratio is the comparison of the height to the width of a kite. To compute the aspect ratio of the kite divide the height by the width.
Aspect ratio = height / width
Symmetry
Discuss the symmetry of the kite. Most kites are (Reflective) symmetric across the spine of the kite. A design has symmetry if you can move the entire design by either rotation, reflection, or translation, and the design appears unchanged. Rotational symmetry is rigid motion with repetition around a point. Translational symmetry is a rigid motion with repetition along a line. Reflective symmetry is a rigid motion with repetition across a line (axis).
Measurement
All measurements should be done in using the metric system and done with the most precise tools available. Accuracy of measurements can and will affect your kites ability to fly.
[1]
Kite Project
Project Outline
1. Choose a kite design from several standard kite patterns.
2. Gather the necessary materials.
3. Construct the kite using the given instructions.
4. Design the poster to inform the reader about your kite.
Poster:
1. Geometry
Discuss the dimensions of your kite. Explain the shape of the kite and the angles that form your shape. Include a diagram of your kite.
2. Right Angles
All kites form a right angle somewhere within the object. Locate a right angle and prove it is a right angle using the Pythagorean Theorem. Give a diagram of your kite with the angle labeled. Show the math involved in proving your right angle is a right angle.
3. Area
Calculate the area of a kite. Show all calculations and refer to the diagram when necessary.
4. Aspect Ratio
Calculate the aspect ratio of the kite. Show all calculations and refer to the diagram when necessary.
5. Symmetry
Discuss the symmetry of the kite and the exterior design.
Kite Project Rubric
Part 1. Kite
A. Kite selected is appropriate. (2)
B. Kite is constructed according to the instructions. (7)
C. Kite became airborne. (3)
Part 2. Poster
A. Geometry
1. Shape is identified and described accurately. (2)
2. Angles are accurately described. (2)
3. Dimensions are described accurately. (2)
4. Diagram is included. (2)
B. Right Angles
1. Right angle is located and described on the diagram. (2)
2. Right angle is proven “right” with the Pythagorean Theorem. (4)
3. Mathematical computations are included. (1)
C. Area
1. Area is calculated correctly. (3)
2. Sample calculations are shown.(2)
D. Aspect Ratio
1. Aspect ratio is calculated correctly. (3)
2. Sample calculations are shown.(2)
E. Symmetry
1. Symmetry is described accurately. (3)
2. Diagram is included with accurate labels. (2)
F. Neatness/Creativity
1. Poster is appealing and neat.(2)
2. Everything is typed and spell checked.(3)
3. Poster is colorful and attracts the reader.(3)
Part 3. Participation
A. Student returns permission slip on time. (2)
B. Student provides support to classmates. (4)
C. Student maintains an expected level of maturity and sets a good example for other students. (4)
Total:
______(2)
______(7)
______(3)
______(2)
______(2)
______(2)
______(2)
______(2)
______(4)
______(1)
______(3)
______(2)
______(3)
______(2)
______(3)
______(2)
______(2)
______(3)
______(3)
______(2)
______(4)
______(4)
______(60)
[1]Davison, Glenn. Kites in the Classroom. Revised Edition. American Kitefliers Association, 2002.