Kites, Forces, and Flight: Third Graders Take Science Skyward

Peck’s new Lower School Science Teacher, Scott Blake, brought force and motion to life for third graders this fall as they explored the principles of gravity, thrust, air resistance, and drag. 
“Children are naturally curious about why things move the way they do,” says Blake.” When they feel gravity tug on a kite or watch air lift their own creation into the sky, abstract ideas suddenly click—that’s the magic of science.”

After learning how these forces help objects like kites and parachutes take flight—and how aerodynamic shapes, like those of airplanes, allow air to flow under wings and keep them soaring—students dipped briefly into the history of kites before creating their own. Using simple materials such as string, tape, straws, construction paper, scissors, and pencils, they followed a guided video to build their designs. The lesson culminated in a joyful field test on the Quad in front of Lindenwold, where students launched their handmade kites skyward to see science in action.