A device for generating a synthetic jet is described. The device can include a flap, an actuator coupled to the flap and a chamber including an aperture. The flap forms a portion of the chamber. The flap is configured to oscillate in a flapping motion such that fluid is alternately drawn into the chamber via the aperture and expelled from the chamber via the aperture to form the synthetic jet. In some embodiments, multiple flaps can be used on a device to generate the synthetic jet.