Kites & Windsocks

Students will create a kite or windsock using hand sewing techniques with ripstop nylon.

This unit has four parts: research, prototype/pattern, making, and documenting.

Overview Unit Goal

Kite Plans

Order of Work

Research

Research different types of kites and windsocks (some designs require more wind than others)
Find 3+ images for the type you like the most
Plan out what you want to make
Watch additional videos based on the complexity of your design ambitions

Making the Kite or Windsock Prototype Pattern

Make a paper pattern for the kite or windsock you want to make
Double check your measurements and make sure you think it will make the type you want to make
Put in your order for spars or stiffeners

Make the Kite or Windsock

Use a lock stitch or back stitch to join nylon fabric into pattern
Use grommets to reinforce line attachments

Documenting Your Kite or Windsock

Take a photo of your sewn object with a solid color contrasting background
Take a photo of your wind-powered sculpture flying
Make a short video of your wind-powered sculpture flying (try to keep the camera as still as possible)
Use that video as the visuals for your peer share video
Fill out the reflection
Send either the video or your photo in an email to an important adult

Kite Plans

flying a parafoil kite

Project Requirements

Working kite or windsock (flies without you running really fast)
3+ Colors
2+ Design elements separate from construction requirements (you made a part that could have been one color two colors)
Theme - your kite or windsock should have a visual theme (like an animal)