Designing and making a kite
| Grade | Work Samples |
|---|---|
| End of Stage 2 (end of Year 4) | |
| Grade D | Casey |
Foundation Statement strands
The following strands are covered in this activity:
Description of activity
Students design and make a kite which is able to fly.
- Students investigate kite designs, considering shape, materials and ways of joining materials.
- They make a drawing of the design they have selected for the kite.
- Students use appropriate tools and materials to make the kite using their drawing and select the materials that best suit their design.
- They test the kite to determine how well it flies.
- Students review the design and make appropriate changes, if necessary, so that the kite flies.
Suggested materials
Paper, pencils, a variety of everyday materials eg balsa wood, paddle pop sticks, plastic containers, polystyrene foam, straws, paper, cloth, plastic sheets, string.
Prior learning
This task about designing and making a kite is a small part of a Science and Technology unit of work that is integrated with learning in other KLAs in which students are investigating some of the conditions in their surroundings that affect their everyday lives. The unit focuses on the students engaging in first-hand experiences in designing, making and using technology. Students have had the opportunity to reflect on the learning processes, results of investigations, products of designing and making activities, and their use of technology. They have observed the similarities and differences of a variety of kites. Students have discussed how the kites fly, the materials used and how the kites are controlled. As a class, they have established the design criteria of a successful kite – for example, having a large surface area, being constructed of light materials, having a tail.
Outcomes
Products and Services (PS S2.5)
Creates and evaluates products and services considering aesthetic and functional factors.
Designing and Making (DM S2.8)
Develops, implements and evaluates ideas using drawings, models and prototypes at appropriate stages of the design process.
Using Technology (UT S2.9)
Selects and uses a range of equipment, computer-based technology, materials and other resources with developing skill to enhance investigation and design tasks.
Criteria for assessing learning
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- select appropriate materials to make a kite
- use a drawing to show the design features of a kite
- use appropriate tools, materials and joining techniques to make a kite
- test that the kite can fly
- suggest improvements to the design of the kite.