How Wind Affects Various Objects
Summary
In this center, students will select a variety of objects from around the classroom and from some provided by the teacher to experiment with in the wind tunnel. Students will create a chart/table to record their predictions and results from the experiment. Students will use the information gained in the experiment to draw conclusions about the power of the wind and how it affects us.
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Learning Goals
Goals:
1. Students will observe how wind affects different objects based on their size and weight.
2. Students will construct a data table, make predictions and record results from their experiment.
3. Students will identify factors which contribute to the movement of objects by wind force.
Concepts:
Wind can move things.
Wind is moving air.
Air is all around us.
Vocabulary:
-Wind force
-Data table
-Prediction
-Air
1. Students will observe how wind affects different objects based on their size and weight.
2. Students will construct a data table, make predictions and record results from their experiment.
3. Students will identify factors which contribute to the movement of objects by wind force.
Concepts:
Wind can move things.
Wind is moving air.
Air is all around us.
Vocabulary:
-Wind force
-Data table
-Prediction
-Air
Context for Use
This activity will be done as part of our kindergarten weather unit. The students will complete the activity at a weather center. Two or three students will work at the center at a time. You will need a wind tunnel or fan, recording sheets or science notebooks, assorted objects from nature or around the room that may/may not be affected by the wind.
Description and Teaching Materials
Read the story "Curious George Flies a Kite" (or watch the video). Ask students to list things that move/don't move on windy days. Demonstrate how to place an object in front of the fan and safely turn it in. Have students predict if the object will move and if so how far. Demonstrate with the given object. Repeat. Tell students that they will select four objects to test in front of the fan during this center time today. Split the class into center groups. The group at the wind station will need to select four objects to test in front to the fan. Have students create a table in their science notebook or use the attachment. After all students have completed the center make a class chart showing which objects moved and which didn't. Discuss the ideas about why different things did/didn't move.
Teaching Notes and Tips
In the past I have done this as a demonstration with the class. This version allows students to be involved in the process of learning about the affects of wind. I would be careful when using the fan. A wind tunnel would be the best to use with small children or an adult aide to help with the fan.
Assessment
The students recording sheet will be the primary piece of assessment for this activity. It should contain at least 4 objects that they tested in the center and the outcomes.
Standards
KINDERGARTEN
III. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
B. The Water Cycle, Weather and Climate The student will observe weather changes.
1. The student will describe daily and seasonal changes in weather.
III. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
B. The Water Cycle, Weather and Climate The student will observe weather changes.
1. The student will describe daily and seasonal changes in weather.