Student Learning Goal

1. Student Learning Goal The student will examine the effects of differential airflow around an object. . . .

2. How Does a Kite Work? SPH4C

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

4. Air Pressure The air passing over the top of the kite is actually going faster than the air going under it. This fast air is creating less pressure than the air underneath the kite, which forces the kite upward again.

5. Balancing a Kite Kites contain bridle lines, which are attached in two places on the kite. The line the kite flier holds is the towline and should be attached to the bridle line at the point where the kite is balanced. (Usually, this is in the middle.)

6. Flying Higher and Longer A tail can also create drag, slowing down its sideways movements and showing more of the front of the kite to the wind. More drag = More stability

7. Kite Shapes Note that there are many different kinds of possible shapes you may construct.

8. Let’s Fly!