Sample work Science and Technology K–6 Stage 2: Designing and making a kite

Description of activity

Students design and produce a kite which is able to fly.

1. Students investigate kite designs, considering shape, materials and ways of joining materials.
2. They make a drawing of the design they have selected for the kite.
3. Students use appropriate tools and materials to make the kite using their drawing and select the materials that best suit their design.
4. They test the kite to determine how well it flies.
5. Students review the design and produce appropriate changes, if necessary, so that the kite flies.

Criteria for assessing learning

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• select appropriate materials to make a kite
• use a drawing to show the design features of a kite
• use appropriate tools, materials and joining techniques to make a kite
• test that the kite can fly
• suggest improvements to the design of the kite.

Work Sample Assessment

Casey has demonstrated a limited level of competence in designing and making a kite. Appropriate materials and a clearly-labelled diagram indicating measurements have been included but there is no evidence of testing or suggestions for improvements. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard at the end of Stage 2.