SMARTies Corner: Let's Fly a Kite

Kites have dazzled our skies for over 2,000 years. Using silk and bamboo, the Chinese were the first to fly kites. The “Golden Age of Kiting,” is said to have occurred from 1860 to 1910. Kites were used for meteorology, aeronautics, wireless communication and photography.

All kites must be lightweight and strong to endure powerful winds. Kites are affected by wind and the four forces of flight; weight or gravity, lift, drag, and thrust. Learn about these four forces, build your own kite and then take it home to test it.

Supplies provided by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.