Testing wind sails
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can test wind sail designs to decide which is most effective.
Key learning points
- Wind sails are designed to catch wind.
- Wind sail models show how wind sails work.
- By making simple models, designs can be quickly tested.
Keywords
Sail - these catch the wind and either turn or billow out to make something move
Model - making an example of something to test or to learn new skills
Test - trying something to see if it works and to make changes or improvement to it
Rotary motion - something that turns around in circles
Common misconception
Models need to work first time.
Through testing and repeat testing, models can be tried and adapted to work.
Teacher tip
Use split pins for the axle, cardboard template initially, recyclable materials where possible. If possible, go outside to test or use paper to create a breeze.
Equipment
Template, scissors, pencils, crayons and felt pens, sticky tack, straw & paper (for using as a breeze)
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 is where something moves in a...
Q2.What do windmills use to grind the grain?
Q3.True or false? All windmills produce electricity?
Q4.In a windmill, the uses rotary motion to grind the grains.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does a sail catch?
Q2.Where might you see a sail?
Q3.True or false? All sails turn in a rotary motion.
Q4.What do we use to safely make holes in card?
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Testing 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: Testing 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.