For a four-cell tetrahedral kite, NASA’s student activity calls for 24 equal-length, straight straws no longer than 8 inches, tissue paper, string and glue. Follow one set of instructions from start to finish: a separate classroom design uses 60 straws and a different multi-cell layout. NASA’s illustrated directions are available on its activity page and in its PDF instructions.
Choose one design before gathering materials
The two documented activities below are distinct builds, not interchangeable supply lists. NASA’s plan is a four-cell student activity; TeachEngineering describes a larger team classroom build using multiple tetrahedral pyramids. Choose one and use its quantities and sequence rather than combining them.
| Plan | Straws | Covering and other materials | Build context |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA activity | 24 straight, equal-length straws, 8 inches or less; if using flexible straws, cut off the bendable sections. | Four pieces of tissue paper at least 24 by 18 inches, approximately 100 feet of cotton string or yarn, hot glue and glue sticks, an all-purpose glue stick, scissors, and a ruler or dowel rod for the bridle. | Four-cell student activity; NASA estimates 90–120 minutes for the activity. That is an estimate, not a guaranteed build time. See the NASA PDF. |
| TeachEngineering classroom activity | 60 non-flexible straws, each 7¾ inches. | Four full-size sheets of tissue paper, kite string, glue sticks, pipe cleaners, scissors, and poster board or oak tag. | Team classroom exercise in which builders make and cover individual pyramids, then arrange and join them into a larger kite. See TeachEngineering’s activity. |
The plans specify different scales and methods. Their instructions do not provide comparative flight results, so these material differences do not show that one version flies better.
Materials for NASA’s four-cell kite
- 24 straight straws of the same length, each no longer than 8 inches. Remove the flexible sections if your straws have bends.
- Approximately 100 feet of cotton string or yarn; NASA lists two or three large spools.
- Four tissue-paper sheets, each at least 24 by 18 inches.
- Scissors, a hot glue gun and hot glue sticks, plus an all-purpose glue stick.
- A ruler or dowel rod to use for the bridle.
These quantities are specific to NASA’s four-cell activity. The illustrated NASA directions should govern the construction order and details.
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How the construction fits together
Start with a taut triangular frame
NASA’s sequence begins with a 4-foot length of string and three straws tied into a taut triangle. The remaining frames are made from additional straw-and-string assemblies according to the activity’s diagrams. Keep the string taut as directed so the frame holds its intended shape.
Cover the frames and assemble the cells
The tissue paper covers the tetrahedral frames, and the covered cells are joined to form the larger kite. The bridle is a separate part of the build, not another tissue-covered cell. Use the NASA PDF’s illustrations for the full sequence and placement; the activity materials alone are not a substitute for its diagrams.
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Attach the bridle
NASA lists a ruler or dowel rod as a bridle option. Follow the activity’s illustrated attachment instructions so the bridle connects to the kite as intended; the available source does not establish a universal bridle length or adjustment setting that applies to every build.
Using the alternative classroom build
TeachEngineering’s activity is a separate multi-cell design. Teams build individual tetrahedral pyramids, cover their faces with tissue paper, and arrange and join the cells into the larger kite. Its 60-straw supply list and supporting materials belong to that plan, not to NASA’s 24-straw activity. Follow TeachEngineering’s instructions if you choose this classroom format.
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Safety and flying considerations
The NASA materials list includes scissors and a hot glue gun. Its activity page and the other construction sources cited here do not establish a detailed safety protocol, a required supervision level, a safe wind range, measured lift, or durability. Use appropriate care with cutting tools and hot glue, and consult a suitable local kite- or aviation-safety authority for guidance about where and under what conditions to fly.
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