Surf For More Math

Chapter 7 - Let's go Fly a Kite!

INTRODUCTION

On a windy day there is nothing more fun than going outside and flying a kite. Three are many different types of kites – some are colourful, some look like different objects. They are all made up of pieces of fabric sewn together to catch the wind and fly. Look at some kites that other people have designed.

THE TASK

There are many websites that sell kites and give information on kites. Visit some of these websites and look at the many different types of kites that exist. Pick 4 kites that you find interesting. Describe the shape of each kite. If your kite is made up of more than one shape, describe all of these shapes. Using fractions of an area, describe the colours in each kite and then describe your fractions as decimals. Create fractions of a set that describe your group of four kites.

THE PROCESS

Begin by looking at some of these websites to see many different styles of kites: Kite Works, Coastal Kites, Picture Pretty Kites, Into the Wind or Kittyhawk Kites.
Pick four kites to describe. Make sure that you pick kites that are in shapes that you can describe. Remember, you will also be describing these kites using fractions. A frog-shaped kite might be fun to fly but would be difficult to describe using fractions!
Save the pictures of the 4 kites you chose. Save them somewhere you can find them easily and with names that you will remember.
Insert your pictures in the first box on the Kite Fact Sheet and complete the chart for each of your kites. Look at your four kites. What do they have in common? Write fractions of a set that describe your kites. Explain each fraction you choose to describe the kites.

RESOURCES

Websites:

Kite Works
Coastal Kites

Files:

Materials:

pencil

ASSESSMENT

	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Problem Solving - Choosing Appropriate Kites for the Task	I did not choose appropriate kites for this task.	I chose some appropriate kites for this task.	I chose appropriate kites for this task.	I chose extremely appropriate kites for this task.
Application of Procedures: Fractions for Describing the Kites	I made major errors and/or omissions when using fractions and decimals to describe my kites.	I made several errors and/or omissions when using fractions and decimals to describe my kites.	I made only a few minor errors and/or omissions when using fractions and decimals to describe my kites.	I made almost no errors when using fractions and decimals to describe my kites.
Communication	I gave explanations that were incomplete or inaccurate. I used very few math words, numbers and diagrams.	I gave partial explanations. I used simple words, numbers and diagrams.	I gave complete, clear and logical explanations. I used appropriate math words, numbers and diagrams.	I gave thorough, complete and insightful explanations. I used a range of math words, numbers and diagrams.