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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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Below are ideas for extending this topic beyond the activity and exploration you just completed.
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This video read-aloud of The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires is the story of a girl struggling to create a truly “magnificent thing.”
Students will enjoy the surprise at the end of the book and will learn about the process of engineering design along the way.
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Paper Bag Kite: In this activity, students create simple paper bag kites, then experiment to find out how different features affect how the kites fly.
Fly a Leaf: In this activity, students experiment to find out which leaf shapes catch the most wind. Great for a windy day!
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Grade 1
Plant & Animal Structures And Survival
Plant Survival & Engineering
1-LS1-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3
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| Umbrella Top printout | Print 60 copies |
| Umbrella Top Inspiration worksheet | 8 copies |
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Scissors
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30 pairs |
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Dixie Cups (3 oz)
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30 cups |
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Dot Stickers
We prefer stickers because they are easier to distribute in a classroom.
Tape also works.
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Details
180 stickers
|
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Pipe Cleaners
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60 pipe cleaners |
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Plastic Straws (Bendable)
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60 straws |
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Playdough
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3 pounds |
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Poster Board (28" x 22")
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1 sheet |
Each student will create their own wind-proof umbrella, but will need a partner to help with a few steps.
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.
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.
Grade 1
Plant & Animal Structures And Survival
Plant Survival & Engineering
1-LS1-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3
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