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00047SailboatRaces ( PDF )

E.T. A LOCAL WAY OF LEARNING




Title: SAILBOAT RACES



Author: Kathryn Doss
I Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School

Grade Level: 3-6


Concepts:
1.Energy
8.Values and


Attitudes


Disciplines:
1.Science
2. Language Arts


Objective:

The students will observe some basic principles of aerodynamics, and they will
become acquainted with wind as an energy source.

Rationale:

Our island is completely surrounded by water and the children constantly see
sailboats. Through this activity they will learn more about how a sailboat
works. This activity can be done using a large tub of water outside the
classroom. If desired, the students can be taught some basic safety rules in
the use of a knife.


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E-47
E.T.

SAILBOAT RACES


Materials Needed:

Pieces of bark or wood, twigs and leaves, and a knife with a leather punch or
other
sharp carving tool or use this suggestion:

The split-open woody seed pod of the African Tulip tree flower makes an
excellent boat. Caulking, glue or chewing gum would be a better means of
securing the mast to the boat. Attach the sail before stepping the mast.




Directions/Activity:

1.Select a piece of bark or wood.

2.Bark or wood may be carved to produce the desired shape and size or may
be used as is.

3.Using a leather punch or other sharp tool, carve a small mast hole into
the hull (piece of wood). Let the students select location of hole.

4.Insert a twig into the hole for a mast.

5.Weave a leaf onto the twig for a sail.

6.Have a sailboat race!


7.-Keep track of the race and
most efficient sailboats.
boats. Some factors might
size. Discuss:


try to discover the characteristics of the
Discuss the characteristics of the slower
be shape, area of sail compared to hull


a. Wind as an energy source for sailboats.


b. What are some other uses of wind as an energy source?