It is April and the students are restless. I am wracking my brain for activities that are relevant, educational, related to the curriculum, but also fun. The less direct instruction per day, the better we all do. So, at the end of our quadrilateral unit, I decided to make kites with all three of my classes and fly them. The kites aren't exactly kite-shaped, but they fit in with the theme and are still very geometric. It took two 90 minute class periods for my students to finish. That is with 20 minute warm-ups each day. Day 1:
First, I quickly detailed the project, helped students locate the materials, and outlined group expectations. I wanted the project to mostly be fun, but I had them complete a quick reflection each day to hold them accountable.
I then showed a video: Mr. Otter's You tube video on Tetrahedron Kites. This video demonstrates how to build the kite step by step. Students were encouraged to replay the video as needed to figure out how to complete the different steps. (This was easier for my students to follow than the paper directions with pictures, although I had some in case students wanted them).
Students chose their groups, and got to work. I walked around and encouraged groups. No help though. They had to do it all.
Here are some of the finished products. Students who finished early could make kite tails or help another group. I would have encouraged them to make bigger kites, but I had limited supplies. By the way, the bendy straws work just fine without being cut.
Students were reminded of their group roles and then got back to work where they left off the day before.
Day 3:
Warm-up: Mixed review on quadrilaterals; Foldable notes on faces/edges/vertices; Student practice determining faces/edges/vertices of kite; Let's fly a kite!!
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