Powerful Wind

LESSON 5

Children take their explorations outside to observe how wind interacts with nature, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between wind and the environment.

  • The story, “How Does the Wind Blow?” by Lawrence F. Lowery.

  • Straws

  • Wheels

  • Popsicle sticks

  • Wooden skewer

  • Paper or fabric

  • Pipe cleaners

  • Hot glue or wood glue

  • Wooden beads

    Optional:

  • Prepare a viewing of Curious George season 5 episode 9 about windmills. Available on Hulu with subscription or amazon prime for purchase.

Materials

  • Gather materials

Preparations

  • Introduce and read the story "How Does the Wind Blow?" by Lawrence F. Lowery to children, setting the stage for discussions and activities related to wind.

  • Lead a discussion about the current weather conditions, helping children identify and categorize the type of wind they are experiencing.

  • Facilitate a group discussion about wind, covering its nature, power, and positive applications.

  • Guide children in watching an episode of Curious George that illustrates how wind can be helpful.

  • Support and assist children as they work together to build their wind-powered cars.

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children listen to the story "How Does the Wind Blow?" by Lawrence F. Lowery.

  • Children observe and identify the type of wind they are experiencing during the reading.

  • Children engage in a discussion about the nature and power of wind.

  • Children explore how wind can be harnessed and used for positive purposes.

  • Children watch the episode of Curious George to see how wind was helpful to the characters.

  • Children work with adult to construct a wind-powered car using provided instructions.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

  • Practice saying the poem with the actions you came up with.

Who Has Seen The Wind

Who has seen the wind?

Neither I nor you,

But when the leaves hang trembling,

The wind is passing through.

Who has seen the wind?

Neither you nor I,

But when the trees bow down their heads,

The wind is passing by.

-Christina G. Rossetti

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this activity by reading or re-reading “How Does the Wind Blow?” by Lawrence F. Lowery.

  2. As you are reading the story, observe the weather outside to determine what type of wind you are experiencing today. Is it a gentle breeze? A fresh wind? A strong wind? Hopefully you are not experiencing a tornado or hurricane.

  3. After the story, reflect on previous activities and experiences with wind. Here are some questions you might ask:

  • What is wind?

  • Why does it blow?

  • Is the wind powerful?

  • What can the wind do with its power?

  • Can the power of wind be helpful or good?

4. Discuss how even though wind can be destructive and dangerous at times, it can also be harnessed and used for good. Here are some ideas:

  • Wind Makes Fun Things Move: Wind can make kites soar high in the sky and turn pinwheels, making playtime even more enjoyable.

  • Wind Helps Us Stay Cool: On hot days, the wind can blow a gentle breeze that cools us down and makes playing outside comfortable.

  • Wind Makes Windmills Spin: Windmills use the wind's power to make electricity, which helps light up our homes and schools while keeping the air clean.

  • Wind Helps Plants Grow: Wind carries tiny seeds from one place to another, helping flowers and trees grow in new spots, making the world beautiful.

  • Wind Cleans the Air: Wind helps blow away pollution and keeps the air we breathe fresh and clean, so we can stay healthy.

5. Watch the episode of Curious George and then talk about how the power of wind was helpful to George, and to the farmer.

6. Tell your child that you are going to harness the power of the wind today. Work together to construct a wind powered car. Follow the tutorial here.