Monday, April 6, 2009

US 12883, Q3 KITES

K I T E S


Kite-flying opens up a variety of experiences. Very young people love the excitement of flying a small kite for the first time, and seeing it dart around in the wind, with its tail making shapes in the sky. For older people, watching a large, heavy box kite fly overhead in almost total silence can be very relaxing and peaceful.


Some people make their own kites. Home made kites can cost from $15.00. A home made kite can also cost $100.00 or more. There are many places in New Zealand where you can buy a kite. These kites cost a lot of money. A fancy kite can cost over $500.00.


Some people use kites to take out a fishing line into the sea. The fishing line will have up to 25 fish hooks on it so that good size fish can be caught. When putting the fish hooks on a line that goes out to sea, a person may need to put sinkers on a different line so that the hooks can go well under the water. Flying kites is great for young and all. Everyone should have a go so that they can show other people how to fly a kite.

US 12883, Q2 Using a Computer

Using a Computer

Using a computer seems simple and easy, but learning how to use it the right way can be difficult. You need good posture, which means feet flat on the floor, wrists up and back straight. Learning how to use the right fingers on the right keys is another good thing to know, especially if you work in an office. It’s just the little things like good posture that can save damage to your body in the long run.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

US 12883, Q1 Kites

HOW A KITE FLIES

A kite is heavier than air, so to fly, it needs lift, an upward force from the wind that is greater than the pull of gravity keeping it on the ground. For maximum lift, position the face at the correct angle to the wind (the angle of attack) by setting the ring accurately on the bridle.

The best point for the ring is usually about a third of the way down the kite, but small adjustments can be made for varying winds. Even with the bridle pre-set, the angle of attack changes after launch, until the kite reaches its most efficient flying position.

Preparing to Fly
It is best to fly a kite on a flat, open site, which is free of obstructions, such as trees, buildings and overhead cables. If there are other flyers around – as there will be at festivals – choose the clearest part of the sky for launching the kite. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a force of wind to make a kite fly: light to moderate breezes are best, although some kites, such as heavy boxes or more robust stunters, are designed for stronger winds. Always assess the wind speed before launching a kite.

Stunt Kites
Controlling a stunt kite in even a basic manoeuvre adds another dimension to kite flying. Once a single line kite is launched, you can enjoy the spectacle, whereas a stunter needs constant steering to stay in the sky. As a rule, the kite lines should be 45-60m long. Although you may want to shorten them as you become more experienced; the shorter lines, the quicker your reactions will have to be. If this is your first attempt at flying a stunter, get the feel of the kite before trying any moves.

Materials and Equipment
Most of the materials are available from specialist kite stores and mail order companies, although mountaineering shops can be a good source of tapes and thick climbing rope. The choice of materials depends on the type of kite you are making. Fibreglass rod, for example is ideal for the flexible bow of a fighter, although inappropriate for the rigid frame of a box kit, where dowel is best. Kite making equipment can generally be found around the home; some tools, such as a circle cutter, give quick, accurate results but are not essential.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

My 3 goals for this year

1. Get a merit certificate at the end of the year.

2. Get as many credits as I can in each class.

3. Get my drivers licence.

Posture



Its good to have good posture to keep your body healthy and lower the chances of body injuries later in life.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Speed Tests

20th March 2009 - Today my keyboarding speed was 45wpm
23rd March 2009 -Today my keyboarding speed was 48wpm
01 April 2009 - Today my keyboarding speed was 50wpm

Monday, March 16, 2009

Learning the Keyboard

Learning the keyboard was kind of dificult because you had to get use to using all the right fingers on the right keys. This was hard for me because I was so use to my own way of typing. I find it easier now because we practice every lesson by doing speed tests and other typing exercises.