The kite
The kite is the simplest flying device. It is thought to have appeared in China several thousand years ago; it was first made of large leaves, later of silk cloth. At first kites were flown at fairs and for fun, later scientists used them to study the air: for example, a thermometer tied to a kite showed that the air high up is colder than near the ground. A kite’s parts are a cloth or paper sail, a stiff rod that keeps it taut (the spar, sinch), the bridle (bog‘ich) that joins the kite to the line, the flying line wound on a reel, and the tail. The tail makes the kite look nice and helps it fly steadily without wobbling. The line must be strong but light.
You need: 2 light wooden rods (50 cm and 40 cm, 3–4 mm thick, ends smoothed), thin paper or a plastic bag, 60 m of string, tape, glue, a reel, 2 m of ribbon or cloth strips, scissors. Steps: 1) Place the short rod across the long rod at a right angle, 12 cm down from its top end; bind with string and add a drop of glue. 2) An adult cuts a shallow notch at each of the four rod ends with a small saw or knife; hook string into the notches and run it round the frame to form a diamond. 3) Lay the frame on the material and cut 2 cm beyond it on each side; fold the edges over the string and tape them. 4) On the back tie a 70 cm string (the bridle) between the top and bottom ends; pull it forward and tie a loop for the flying line about one third of the way down from the top. 5) Tie a 2 m tail to the bottom end and add bows. 6) Wind the flying line onto the reel. Safety: an adult smooths the rod ends; use scissors seated; fly in a wide open area away from power lines, roads, roofs and trees; never fly in rain, thunderstorms or strong wind; wear thin gloves so the line does not cut your palm; never use glass-coated line.