History of Kites Essay Example for Free

History of Kites Essay History of Kites The kites have been around the world for at least 2000 years, or even longer. Some people think the Chinese flew them around 1000 BC, but other than that, the exact time, date, inventor, and place that the kite was invented is unknown. We believe that the kites might have been invented in China or even in Malaysia. Documentary has been found proving that the kites have been around since 200 BC. The documentary was a general in the Han dynasty is recorded as having used a kite as an instrument of war. This was a method to determine the correct distance to dig a tunnel to enter a palace and end a siege. Also there were other stories about kites being used to lift up fireworks to scare the opposing army. The kite was very useful at that time. The kite was introduced to Europe by explores coming from Asia. One of the explores was Marco Polo, who wrote very good notes on constructing a kite and how they were flown. As the 18th Century came up, the kite in Europe it was used as a scientific instrument. In 1749, Alexander Wilson, a Scottish meteorologist used the kite to lift thermometers at a height of 3000 feet to measure temperature variations at altitude. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin used the kite to demonstrate that lightning was similar to the static electricity that scientists were experimenting with at the time. Without the kite none of these experiments and inventions of our past inventors would have never happened. There are many different types of kites: sled kite, diamond kite, barn door kite, sode kite, rokkaku kite, delta kite, roller kite, dopero kite, box kite, and a lot more. Would you like to build your own kite? Try this! Build a sled kite. Here is how to do it. Step ! : Create a template for your kite by folding a piece of 9 X 12 inch construction or other stiff paper in half. Draw the design onto the template as shown in the image. Dont worry; it doesnt have to be perfect! It will be symmetrical when opened. Cut out your template, but do not cut along the fold. Step 2: Open your template up, and place it on the paper, plastic or newspaper. Trace the shape, and cut it out. Leave flat after cutting. Step 3: Use a couple layers of scotch tape to reinforce the corners F and C with a couple of layers of tape. Then, punch holes for string at corners F and C. Step 4: Tape the skewers or sticks to the kite. Once stick should stretch from corner A to E, and the other should go from corner B to D. Step 5: If you are using blank paper, this is the time to color your kite! Step 6: To make the Bridle: Cut two strings the same length. Twelve inches long usually works for most kites, but it is better to make it too long than too short. Tie one string to corner F and one to corner C. Bring the corners of the kite together then tie the strings together with the very easy Overhand Knot. The knot should be directly in the middle of corners F and C. Step 7: Create a tail, and go fly your kite!