Kite-Flying Expedition

When your kid asks you (or whines about) what you're going to do today, tell him to "Go fly a kite!" and mean it in a nice way! All you need is a paper bag, paints and string to send your very own homemade kite soaring into the air. It's super-fun and it will introduce your child to the science of air, wind and lift.

What to Pack:

• Dora kite (print one out here)
• Snack

Now Get Exploring!

• Make the kite. Just click on over to Nickjr.com to print, tape up and string your very own kite!
• Check the weather. Consult your local weather report and choose a day with light to moderate winds (5-15 mph is ideal).
• Pick your location. Be sure to choose a spot that's free of trees or power lines. A beach or open field is ideal.
• Work together. Give your child the spool of string while you hold the kite aloft. When you feel a gust of wind, tell your child to run, letting out string as she goes, while you toss the kite up in the air. (This might take several tries before the wind catches it.)
• Release more string. Keep letting the string out until the kite reaches a good height.
• Play the breezes. If the kite starts to dip, pull the string back until it lifts again.
• Celebrate with a snack. Watch your child for signs of fatigue. When she's had enough, reel in your kite and sit down for a snack.
• Investigate. Ask your fellow flier these questions:
  • What is wind? (Answer: Moving air.)
  • What is air? (A: A mixture of invisible gases, including oxygen, which we all need to breathe.)
  • Can you see the wind? Can you hear it? Feel it?
  • Which way is it coming from? How do you know? (Science trick: Lick a finger and hold it up. The cold side of your finger indicates the direction of the wind.)
  • What can wind do? (A: Talk about how wind lifted your kite. Look around to see trees lean, leaves blow, flags flap and clouds race across the sky.)
  • How do birds use the wind? Watch how they soar and glide on wind currents.
• Read all about it: Look for Henry and the Kite Dragon by Bruce Edward Hall and Dora and the Rainbow Kite Festival by Christine Ricci.

Educational PerksAir and wind are mysterious and invisible natural forces that are difficult to explain as abstract concepts. But kite flying gives a dramatic demonstration of their power. Talk about how wind affects weather vanes, windmills, sailboats. How else can we harness the wind?

Bonus Explorer Activity Back home, blow bubbles to play with air and wind. If you don't have any bubble soap, it's easy to make your own with our bubble solution recipe. Use pipe cleaners or cookie cutters as bubble wands. As kids blow the bubbles up and around the room, point out what's inside each bubble: air!

For more exploring, play Dora's Great Big World game, find do-together Dora crafts, recipes, and activities, and print a personalized Explorer Kit for you child at Doratheexplorer.com.

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