Select materials for wind sails
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can choose materials that will work best for my sails.
Key learning points
- Wind sails can be made of different materials.
- By testing materials, the most suitable can be selected.
- Discussing the results of test can help us select the correct materials.
Keywords
Materials - what something is made from
Properties - words to describe what a material is like
Thickness - the size through an object and thick is the opposite of thin
Testing - trying something to see if it works and to make changes or improvement to it
Common misconception
Wind sails are always made of wood.
Wind sail structures may be made of wood, but will have fabric to catch the wind.
Teacher tip
Consider using a range of materails, with some templates printed onto materials to help. Have materials all cut to the same size and shape to support with cutting. Keep the chosen windsail (potentially card version) for use in the axles lesson.
Equipment
Ready made materials (paper, fabric, card, foil, tissue paper) in the same size and shape, scissors, pencil, sticky tack and straws.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Rotary motion turns in which shape?
Q2.What tool would you use to cut the wind sails for your windmill?
Q3.What do we use wind for?
Q4.What do we use to make things?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the word to the meaning
what something is made from
words to describe what a material is like
the size through an object and thick is the opposite of thin
Q2.Which of these are properties of materials?
Q3.What do we call it when we try something to see if it works well?
Q4.What should we do after testing different sails?
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Select materials for wind sails, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Select materials for wind sails, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 design and technology lessons from the Rotary mechanisms: windmills unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.