High-Tech Windsocks

High-Tech Windsocks lesson plan

What high-tech invention is most intriguing? What scientific discovery is truly amazing? Build a replica and discover the details!

  • 1.

    When Jacques-Yves Cousteau was young he wanted to swim underwater like a fish. His dream came true when he perfected the aqua lung (SCUBA-diving gear). Think about international inventions or scientific discoveries that fascinate you. Choose one to research. Then make an imaginative windsock model of the invention. Show the invention steps or components of the technology. Here is how we made Cousteau’s aqua lung.

  • 2.

    Roll construction paper into a wide cylinder for the diver’s body. Seal the ends together with Crayola® School Glue. Air-dry the glue.

  • 3.

    Make air tanks by decorating two short cardboard tubes with Crayola Markers. Attach the tanks to the body with self-stick hook and loop fastener tape so you can take the system apart when you explain how it works.

  • 4.

    On posterboard or a recycled file folder, draw a swimmer’s legs, arms, face, and swimsuit with Crayola Twistables or Markers. Complete your diver by drawing a face, swim fins, and hands. Cut out the parts with Crayola Scissors. Glue them on the body.

  • 5.

    Use recycled items or craft materials to finish the underwater breathing apparatus. Tie a yogurt lid (diving mask) with string or black yarn around the diver’s head. Make the air regulator with a bottle cap. Attach it to your diver’s chest with hook and l

  • 6.

    Draw and cut several fish from posterboard or recycled file folders. Punch holes in them and attach them with string so they dangle from the diver. Punch another hole in the diver’s head so you can hang your windsock indoors. Describe how your choice of t

Benefits

  • • Students identify a major international technical discovery and research its origins and inventor. </P>
  • • Students construct a replica of the invention. </P>
  • • Students present information about the invention to their peers. </P>

Adaptations

  • • Whatever your chosen invention, trace its history. Study how the diving suit and breathing apparatus have changed since they were first invented. Look at some of the original dive suits. It was impossible to move in them! If possible, interview a SCUBA
  • • Jacques Cousteau said "When you dive you begin to feel like an angel, it’s a liberation of your weight." In some ways, diving is similar to riding in an airplane or space capsule. Compare and contrast the sensations. Write a poem to describe them. </P>
  • • Assessment: Look for accuracy in detail and creativity in using recycled products to make a model that can be deconstructed. Consider how fully the invention was explained to the class. </P>