Student Learning GoalStudent Learning GoalThe student will examine the effects of The student will examine the effects of

differential airflow around an object. . differential airflow around an object. . . .. .

How Does a Kite Work?How Does a Kite Work?SPH4CSPH4C

Air FlowAir FlowWhen kites fly, they are When kites fly, they are

changing the normal air flow. changing the normal air flow. They are blocking it, forcing They are blocking it, forcing the air to go around the kite. the air to go around the kite. When a kite first meets the When a kite first meets the air, it deflects the air air, it deflects the air downward, which creates an downward, which creates an upward force and lifts the upward force and lifts the kite.kite.

Air PressureAir PressureThe air passing over the top of the kite The air passing over the top of the kite

is actually going faster than the air is actually going faster than the air going under it. This fast air is going under it. This fast air is creating less pressure than the air creating less pressure than the air underneath the kite, which forces the underneath the kite, which forces the kite upward again.kite upward again.

Balancing a KiteBalancing a KiteKites contain bridle lines, Kites contain bridle lines,

which are attached in two which are attached in two places on the kite. The line places on the kite. The line the kite flier holds is the the kite flier holds is the towline and should be towline and should be attached to the bridle line attached to the bridle line at the point where the kite at the point where the kite is balanced. is balanced.

(Usually, this is in the middle.)

Flying Higher and LongerFlying Higher and LongerA tail can also create drag, A tail can also create drag,

slowing down its slowing down its sideways movements and sideways movements and showing more of the front showing more of the front of the kite to the wind.of the kite to the wind.

More drag = More stabilityMore drag = More stability

Kite ShapesKite ShapesNote that there are many different Note that there are many different

kinds of possible shapes you may kinds of possible shapes you may construct.construct.

Let’s Fly!Let’s Fly!