In this unit, Time to Catch the Wind, students will discover and discuss wind and the methods that engineers use to capture wind energy. Science concepts concerning air resistance, air pressure, wind, and simple machines will be reinforced. In addition, activities will focus on understanding how wind can do work and how to design mechanisms that utilize wind power. Various hands-on activities, discussions, and readings will focus on mechanical engineering and the Engineering Design Process. Specific behaviors that will be observed during the unit are the following:
Apply the Engineering Design Process (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve)
Troubleshoot and learn from failure
Explain why one variable is changed in an investigation
Understand words used in the science of engineering and technology
Explain how the energy of wind can do useful work
Identify the six simple machines and give examples of everyday use
William Kamkwamba - The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Video Playlist - The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Simple Machines
What is a screw?
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/MBXUyBEmwL
What is a wheel and axle?
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/jilAHsWtYC
What is a lever?
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/HjgHkhvPVn
What is a pulley?
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/qPoFUohaIY
What is an inclined plane?
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/pHdUNMLMXz
What is a wedge?
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/DGvonzARmn
Simple Machines Learning Site
http://atlantis.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/finalhome.htm
Edheads-simple machines games
http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/
Bill Nye the Science Guy-videos on Simple Machines
http://www.gamequarium.org/cgi-bin/search/linfo.cgi?id=7830
Jeopardy Game
Simple Machines Game
http://www.msichicago.org/online-science/simple-machines/activities/simple-machines-1/
Fling the Teacher
Links to Games, info., etc. about simple machines
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/simmach.html
Simple Machine Word Search
Engineering
CRASH COURSE KIDS, What is an Engineer - VIDEO
NASA for Kids, Intro to Engineering - VIDEO
Cool Engineering Projects - VIDEOS
How Much Do You Know about Engineering Careers? - QUIZ
Rube Goldberg
Gold"burgers" to go GAME
http://pbskids.org/zoom/games/goldburgertogo/game.html
Rube Goldberg Website
Car Commercial
10 Best Rube Goldberg Invention Videos
http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2010/03/02/rube_goldberg_videos/slideshow.html
An Outrageous Way to Share a Coke
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/rqwcbiJeTJ
How to build a Rube Goldberg
http://video.about.com/giftedkids/Build-a-Rube-Goldberg.htm
What is a Rube Goldberg?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg
Sharp Touch Wood SH-08C
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/fAoTxhAhrE
Monster Trap Rube Goldberg (kid made)
http://www.safeshare.tv/w/rUrfbwpcNu
Wind and alternative energy
Curious Facts About Wind Power
Sailing and Ships
Ancient Ship and Boat Models
http://www.modelshipmaster.com/products/ancient/index.htm
Pictures of Sailboats
http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/sailboat.html
Tall Ships racing game
http://www.cbc.ca/kids/games/tallships/
Sailing Game
http://www.games-n1.com/educational-games/sailing.html
What is Wind Project Examples