DIY Diamond Kite

Build your own lightweight kite to explore the basics of aerodynamics. Learn how the sail and tail work together to catch the wind and keep the kite soaring.

Tools

• ruler (1)
• scissors (1 pair)
• marker (1)

Materials

• heavy plastic sheet or plastic tablecloth (1 piece)
• wooden dowels (2 long sticks)
• thin string or yarn (100 meters / 300 feet)
• small piece of string (length equal to 2x the length of one dowel)
• strong tape, such as duct or packaging tape (1 roll)
• wood or cardboard handle (1 piece)

Safety

• Never fly a kite near power lines or electrical wires.
• Do not fly during rain, lightning, or thunderstorms.
• Fly in open areas away from roads, trees, and buildings.
• An adult should always be present when flying the kite.

Steps

1. Lay the two wooden dowels across the plastic sheet in a cross shape. Position one dowel slightly higher so that one half of the cross is longer than the other.
2. Use the ruler and marker to draw a diamond shape around the dowels. Ensure the diamond is slightly larger than the dowels to ensure a good fit.
3. Have a grownup help you cut the diamond shape out of the plastic and trim any excess edges.
4. Tape the dowels securely to the plastic sail to help it keep its shape in the wind.
5. Tape the two dowels together firmly in the center where they cross.
6. Poke two holes in the plastic along the lengthwise dowel, near the corners but not all the way at the ends.
7. Flip the kite over. Thread one end of the shorter string through one hole and tie it to the dowel; repeat for the other end of the string and the other hole. Tape the knots in place.
8. Tie one end of the long 100-meter string to the middle of the shorter string and secure it with tape.
9. Wind the remaining long string around the wood or cardboard handle.
10. Cut a long, thin strip of plastic and tape it to the bottom of the kite to create a tail.
11. To fly: Have a friend hold the kite while you hold the handle. Unwind 20 meters (60 feet) of string. Have your friend stand with their back to the wind and release the kite while you pull the string to get it flying.