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For NASA’s four-cell tetrahedral kite, gather 24 straight, equal-length straws no longer than 8 inches, about 100 feet of cotton string or yarn, and four tissue-paper sheets at least 24 by 18 inches. The activity estimates 90–120 minutes. Its illustrated instructions show how the straws and string form the frames, how tissue paper covers them, and how to attach the bridle.
Choose one set of instructions
This guide follows NASA’s four-cell activity. A separate TeachEngineering classroom activity uses a larger, multi-cell design and different quantities; do not combine the two material lists. NASA’s activity page links to the illustrated NASA PDF instructions, which provide the complete construction sequence and diagrams.
| Plan | Straw quantity and size | Structure | Materials and setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA | 24 straight, same-length straws, 8 inches or less. If using flexible straws, cut off the flexible sections. | Four-cell activity. | Student activity; includes cotton string or yarn, tissue paper, hot glue, an all-purpose glue stick, and a ruler or dowel rod for the bridle. See the NASA instructions. |
| TeachEngineering / Tufts University Center for Engineering Educational Outreach | 60 non-flexible straws, each 7¾ inches. | Teams make and cover individual tetrahedral pyramids, then join them into a larger kite. | Classroom team activity; lists four full-size tissue-paper sheets, kite string, glue sticks, pipe cleaners, scissors, and poster board or oak tag. See Building Tetrahedral Kites. |
Gather materials for NASA’s four-cell kite
- 24 straight straws, all the same length and no longer than 8 inches.
- About 100 feet of cotton string or yarn, typically two or three large spools.
- Four tissue-paper pieces, each at least 24 by 18 inches.
- Scissors.
- A hot-glue gun and hot-glue sticks.
- An all-purpose glue stick.
- A ruler or dowel rod for the bridle.
These quantities are from NASA’s activity PDF. NASA estimates 90–120 minutes for the activity; this is the activity’s estimate, not a guaranteed build time for every group.
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NASA begins with a 4-foot length of string and three straws tied into a taut triangle. The remaining construction uses additional straw-and-string frames, adhesive, tissue-paper coverings, and a bridle. Follow the PDF’s illustrated steps in order: the frame pieces and covered cells must fit together as the larger tetrahedral structure, and the bridle is a separate part of the build.
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- Make the first frame: Use the 4-foot length of string and three straws to tie a taut triangle, as shown in NASA’s diagrams.
- Continue the frame construction: Use the remaining straws and string according to the PDF’s sequence to create the other tetrahedral frames.
- Cover the frames: Cut and attach tissue paper as the illustrations direct, using the specified adhesives.
- Join the covered cells: Arrange and connect the cells in the order shown so they form the complete kite.
- Attach the bridle: Use the ruler or dowel rod option and follow the diagram for the bridle’s placement and string attachment.
For dimensions, knots, glue placement, paper-cutting shapes, and the exact bridle attachment, refer to the full NASA illustrated instructions; those construction details are not reproduced here.
Keep classroom quantities separate
TeachEngineering’s activity is not a larger supply estimate for NASA’s design. It specifies 60 non-flexible 7¾-inch straws and has teams build multiple covered pyramids before arranging and joining them into a larger kite. If using that design, follow its own materials and directions rather than substituting NASA’s 24-straw quantity or mixing adhesive and covering steps. The activity is described at TeachEngineering.
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Safety and flying considerations
NASA’s listed materials include scissors and a hot-glue gun. The cited construction activities do not establish a detailed safety protocol or an adult-supervision requirement, so use appropriate precautions for the tools and the builders involved. They also do not specify a safe wind range, measured lift, flight performance, or durability. Check suitable local kite-safety guidance before choosing where or under what conditions to fly the finished kite.
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