Course Sample for Our Small World Sensory Science Homeschool Course
Lesson Two: Wind
This lesson will focus on learning through play with wind and air. We will play with bubbles, balloons, sailboats, paper fans, and wind chimes.
Instructions:
Assemble your pool noodle, skewers, paper, scissors, and tape. Slice a small disc from the pool noodle. This will be the base of your boat. Tape a small triangle to the top of your skewer as a sail. Poke the skewer into the disc you made. You should make a few of these small boats. Pour a few inches of water into your tub, place your sailboats into the tub, and watch them float. Try racing your sailboats using different methods of blowing (great big puffing breaths, a straw, a fan, and under close supervision, try an electric fan or a hairdryer).
Create balloon rockets with straws, balloons, tape, and string. First, thread a length of string through a straw and tie each end between two chairs several feet apart. Blow up your balloon and pinch the end so that the air does not escape. Tape your balloon to the straw and let go to see your balloon shoot down the string track!
Extend your balloon play by blowing up several more balloons and tying them off. Create fans by taping pop stick handles to foam plates. Make wind with your fans and blow the balloons around the room.
Create wind chimes with foam plates and plastic spoons. Punch holes around the edges of the foam plate. Use tape to attach string to spoon handles. Tie spoons to the plate by threading strings through these holes.
Assemble an assortment of bubble blowing tools (straws, pipe cleaners bent into loops, bubble wands, strainers, etc.). Place about one-half inch of bubble solution in your tub and allow children to create bubbles. You may wish to experiment with an electric fan or hairdryer under close supervision. An added sensory element for this activity would be to use scented or colored bubble soap. You could even make your own recipe.