Why Kites Fly. Teacher Background for DSO for DoDDS Japan Day with Kites.

This paper discusses the physical principles behind the flying ability of both kites and airplanes. This background material was developed for a program in which a Japanese kite maker conducts kite making and flying classes in the Japan School District Elementary Schools of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), Pacific Region. The two principles critical to understanding why kites fly are an understanding of Newton's Law and Bernoulli's Principle. While other factors such as the friction between the air particles moving over the flying surface and the material comprising the flying surface are important, these two factors explain the major components of lift and therefore the major reasons kites fly. (KR)