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Why don't trees blow down in the wind?
Plant Needs & Growth Unit | Lesson 5 of 6
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Why don't trees blow down in the wind?

Plant Needs & Growth Unit | Lesson 5 of 6
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
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DISCUSS:

Why do you think the umbrellas blew away, but other things on the beach did not?

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DISCUSS:

Why do you think trees don’t get blown down by the wind, but umbrellas do?

To help us figure it out, let’s pretend to be trees blowing in the wind. Maybe that will give us some ideas! Go to the next slide to begin.

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DISCUSS:

What ideas do trees give you, for making an umbrella that won’t blow down in the wind?

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Slide Image
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tree


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a type of plant that has a trunk and branches
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root


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a part of a plant that is usually under the ground
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trunk


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the thick middle part of a tree
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branch


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a part of a tree the grows out from the trunk and usually has leaves
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leaf


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a part of a plant that is often flat and green
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shade


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a dark, cool place that is not directly in the sunlight
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umbrella


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a cover that protects from rain or sunlight

wind


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moving air
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structure


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the specific form and shape of something
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engineer


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a person who uses science to come up with solutions to problems
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design


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to make a plan for creating or doing something
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invent


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to create something new, often an object or a way of doing something
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Featured Reviews

“The kids loved being engineers and talking about the various ways trees have the superpower to stay upright in wind. I loved the variety of ways they tried to make their umbrellas.”
· Tiffany · Teacher
“I loved watching my kids think about the parts of a tree and redesign their umbrellas! I saw lots of learning take place.”
· Stephanie · Homeschooler
“My students were required to extend their thinking and creativity to apply what they learned about trees to make their own invention. They loved the activity!”
· Maritza · Teacher
“The preparation slides were the most helpful. The design process was the most fun!”
· Jennifer · Teacher
“The students loved it! I enjoyed watching them try to figure out how to get their umbrellas to stay up. Lots of problem solving and hands on involvement. ”
· Olivia · Teacher
“My students loved it! We completed this lesson on a Friday and my students were still talking about it on Monday and related it back to our next lesson! ”
· Samantha · Teacher
“The kids loved testing their umbrellas and seeing the difference after they made changes to it. The directions are very easy to follow.”
· Vicki · Teacher
“Best lesson yet! This was so well planned. The children were completely engaged! Everyone participated with enthusiasm. I loved that this lesson allowed so much individual creativity.”
· Tess · Teacher
“My students were very engaged in this lesson. I particularly liked how it incorporated movement. We stood up and pretended to be trees blowing in the wind.”
· Elisabeth · Teacher
“This was a great lesson. My boys altered their "umbrellas" for at least 30 minutes after the lesson was over. Awesome!”
· Melissa · Homeschooler
“We enjoyed the video clips and the discussion they started. The best part was the build, though. A real feeling of invention was in the air.”
· Jill · Teacher
“The students were all engaged through the slideshow and the videos were easy for them to understand and relate. The activity tied in so well with the lesson and the students came up with some extremely creative ideas”
· Katherine · Teacher
“their excitement when they learned they get to try it again for more success, using our new learning!”
· Kirsten · Teacher
“The kids were so engaged and sharing ideas! They loved pretending to be swaying trees.”
· Brittney · Teacher
“I don't know! all of it! please Doug keep making them !!! I love this thing! I want to be a scientist when I grow up! so please make more!”
· Jessica · Homeschooler
“student engagement was excellent (shown in both interest in the subject and quality of responses).”
· · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Grade K

Plant Needs & Growth

Plant Survival & Engineering

1-LS1-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this lesson, students examine structures like roots, branches, and leaves that keep trees from blowing down. In the activity, Wind-Proof Umbrella, they use their observations to create their own tree-inspired umbrellas that stay up in the wind.
Preview activity

I have a Mystery Pack

Umbrella Top printout Print 60 copies
Umbrella Top Inspiration worksheet 8 copies
Scissors
30 pairs
Dixie Cups (3 oz)
30 cups
Dot Stickers
We prefer stickers because they are easier to distribute in a classroom. Tape also works.
Details
180 stickers
Pipe Cleaners
60 pipe cleaners
Plastic Straws (Bendable)
60 straws
Playdough
3 pounds
Poster Board (28" x 22")
1 sheet
Prep Instructions

Each student will create their own wind-proof umbrella, but will need a partner to help with a few steps.

Decide if You Will Buy Playdough or Make Your Own

To make your own playdough, slowly add 2½ cups water to a mixture of 5 cups of flour and 1¼ cups of salt. Stir, then knead the dough. If it’s too sticky, add more flour.

Prepare Wind Test Station

  • Make a giant fan by folding a 22” x 28” sheet of poster board accordion style. If you have a two smaller sheets of poster board, tape them together, then fold.
  • Make one reusable umbrella stand for each student by pressing clay or playdough into the bottom of a Dixie cup. The cup should be a little more than halfway full.
  • Clear a big, flat area, such as a tabletop, to serve as a test station. It should be at least 36 inches across—big enough to hold four umbrellas without touching.

We've provided Umbrella Top Inspiration sheets to help students who get frustrated when they try to improve their umbrellas. We suggest you let students try on their own, providing Inspiration Sheets only to those who need help.

Exploration

18 mins

Hands-On Activity

40 mins

Wrap-Up

2 mins

Grade K

Plant Needs & Growth

Plant Survival & Engineering

1-LS1-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3

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Plant Needs Tx Lesson 5: Why don't trees blow down in the wind?

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