Mary Bennett’s sixth-grade students recently had the opportunity to explore the science of flight through Red River Gorge Discovery Zone’s “Flight and Aerodynamics” program on October 8th at PCMS. As part of the program, students learned about sled kites and began building their own kites designed to actually fly.
The Red River Gorge Discovery Zone (RRGDZ) is a traveling pop-up learning experience focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). Through hands-on activities and live presentations, it introduces students to the natural history and conservation of the Red River Gorge.
Students started by learning background information about sled kites, including how the kites are designed and how the principles of aerodynamics help the kites stay in the air. Sled kites are a type of kite that typically features a lightweight, rectangular shape and a simple design that allows wind to lift and carry them into the sky.
After learning about the science behind these unique kites, students put their knowledge into action by spending time constructing a sled kite of their own. They explored how the different parts of a kite work together and how its design helps it catch the wind and generate lift.
The hands-on activity gave students a chance to connect science concepts to a real-world project while using creativity, problem-solving, and building skills. By the end of the activity, students had taken an important step toward creating a working kite they could launch and watch fly.
The “Flight and Aerodynamics” program offered PCMS sixth graders an engaging way to learn about the science of flight while discovering that learning can be both educational and fun. Mrs. Bennett was assisted by Jane Hayes of RRGDZ.
Acknowledgements
Funded by grants from TC Energy, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, and Powell County Tourism Commission, and supported by fiscal sponsors Community Partners of Powell County and Powell County Tourism, the all-volunteer effort includes other organizations and team members not listed above. Organizations/individuals who donated or loaned items to assist the Discovery Zone in the 2026 season include Sandy Hall, Suzanne Smith, DJ Ledford, Ovie Hollon, Regina Mulcahy, Maria Reed, David Davis, and Josh Davis. Father Al Fritsch, may he rest in peace, formerly of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Appalachia Science in the Public Interest, Society of Jesus, and formerly of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church (Stanton) and of St. Elizabeth of Hungary (Ravenna), was the inspiration for the Discovery Zone.
Check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rrgdiscoveryzone/ and our website at rrgdiscoveryzone.com. Join us at our next event on October 31st at Callie’s Campground in Bowen!
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