Wind Observation
LESSON 3
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.
Petroleum jelly
Plate or nylon wrapped around something
Optional:
The story, “Flora’s Very Windy Day,” by Jeanne Birdsall.
The book, “The Story of the Wind Children” by Sibylle Von Olfers. (I wasn’t able to find a read aloud version of this one)
Windsock
Play silks
Bubbles
A large blanket
Play cape
Materials
Gather materials
Plan a location with a large open space to play and explore the wind.
Preparations
Guide children in observing and discussing cloud movement, sounds carried by the wind, and items transported through the air.
Oversee and assist children in the setup of the petroleum jelly experiment.
Encourage and supervise playful activities that involve direct interaction with the wind.
Actively monitor the progress of the experiment, prompting discussions and reflections on its findings.
Facilitate discussions to help children develop a deeper understanding of the wind's role in the environment.
Objectives for Teachers
Children observe and discuss the movement of clouds in the sky.
Children explore the sounds carried by the wind.
Children investigate what items are carried through the air by the wind.
Children engage in playful activities that involve interaction with the wind.
Children monitor and observe the experiment's progress to see what it captures.
Children develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between wind and the environment.
Children nurture a sense of curiosity and a stronger connection with the natural world.
Objectives for Children
Collect and Connect
The Northwind
The Northwind came along one day,
So strong and full of fun,
He called the leaves down from the trees
And said, “Run, children, run!”
They came in red and yellow dress,
In shaded green and brown,
And all the short October day,
He chased them round the town.
They ran in crowds, they ran alone,
They hid behind the trees,
The Northwind laughing found them there,
And said, “No stopping, please!”
But when he saw them tired out
And huddled in a heap,
He softly said, “Goodnight, my dears,
Now let us go to sleep!
Activity Flow
Begin this activity at the outdoor location you have chosen, ideally on a windy day. If you've chosen to bring along the storybook "Flora's Very Windy Day," or “Children of the Wind,” consider laying out a comfortable blanket to read it together.
2. After reading the story, begin to observe how the wind interacts with your surrounding environment. Here are some questions to ponder and wonder out loud about with your child:
Are there clouds in the sky, and if so, are they moving?
What moves the clouds?
What sounds can you hear carried by the wind?
What else does the wind carry?
Do you notice leaves rustling in the trees or floating to the ground?
3. After this initial observation phase, prepare an experiment designed to investigate what is carried through the air by the wind. Introduce the petroleum jelly and plate/nylon stocking to your child. Encourage your child to help spread the petroleum jelly on the plate/nylon and place it somewhere in the wind.
4. While waiting for the experiment to capture airborne particles, take advantage of the windy conditions by participating in playful activities with any items you've brought along. Encourage children to interact with the wind directly, fostering a sense of wonder and connection with the natural world.
5. As the experiment progresses, monitor it to see what fascinating elements it has captured, facilitating a deeper understanding of the interplay between wind and the environment. This hands-on approach will not only make learning memorable but also encourage curiosity and exploration in the great outdoors.
