TEACHING SCIENCE WITH K'NEX
 
Unit: Transportation Lesson: Wind sails
Grade Level: 4-5 Composers: Clint Mullenix and Chad Houser
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Objective

Students will design a wind sail that is free standing (supports itself) and has a movable sail. They will state that there are many different ways to design an object and each has its own faults and merit.
 
 

Procedure

1. Ask the students what kinds of vehicles are used for transportation on water.
2. Show the students an example of a basic wind sail (pictured).  Point out that there are
    two basic things that the wind sail should have: a base and a sail.  Also point out that
    the sail is moveable.
3. Have the students get into groups of two.
4. Tell the students that they are going to have a chance to design a unique wind sail.
    Remind the students that it needs to be stable enough to support itself and the sail
    should be able to move.
5. Tell the students that they shouldn't be afraid to try new designs.  If it doesn't work
    they can try another design.
6. Have the students volunteer to share their designs with the class.  The other students
    in the class will be given a chance to share what they like about the design of the
    sail that each group creates.

Evaluation

The teacher will evaluate the students. If the wind sail has both a base and a moveable sail that is free standing, then the students have met the objective. Extra points may be given for most original design. Source This lesson meets the Indiana Science Proficiencies 2.4 and 2.5 for the upper elementary grades.

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