In this Remarkable Idea, students learn about wind - what it is and what it feel like. They will compete in relay races taking turns using a switch-activated hair dryer to blow a leaf (or other object) down to the FINISH line.
This activity addresses:
- Cause and Effect
- Anticipation
- Group work
- Turn Taking
- Alternative methods of access
What you need:
- Step-by-Step (2)
- Jelly Beamer
- PowerLink 4
- “Wind” picture/symbol card
- Various lightweight objects such as cotton balls, tissue paper, plastic straw, etc.
- Two plastic/fake leaves
- Two long tables
- Hair dryer (2 - each with an extension cord)
Preparation:
- Plug each hair dryer (with extension cord) and Jelly Beamer into the PowerLink 4.
- On two Step-by-Step, place a “cheer” picture/symbol and record words of cheer/encouragement such as “Go, go, go!”, “You can do it!”, “Blow that leaf!”, “Don’t give up!”, “You’re doing great!”
- Set up the PowerLink 4 on or near one of the long tables, and place each hair dryer at the same end of the tables.
- Create overlays using the AbleNet Symbol Overlay Maker app.
What to do:
- Show students the “wind” picture/symbol card.
2. Explain to students that “wind” is something that we feel, and it’s a type of weather. - Use a hair dryer to have students experience what “wind” feels like.
- Put different lightweight objects on the table, and demonstrate how the wind will blow the objects.
- Tell students that many times, outside, the wind will blow around leaves.
- Show students the two hair dryers and Jelly Beamer. Show them how to activate the switch to turn on the hair dryer and blow a leaf from one end of the table to the next.
- Students on each team take turns activating the switch to turn on the hair dryer and blow their leaf from one end of the table to the next and back.
- While a student from each team is blowing the team’s leaf, the other students on that team take turns using a Step-by-Step to cheer on their team member.