Riding the Wind

Children visit a nature reserve and learn about the way birds fly.
Recommended Period for this Activity: December to March

1. Discover the Wonder of Flight 

Explore the question: “How can a bird fly?” and “How can an airplane fly?”. Try the simple "Watch It Rise Experiment" in the Downloadable Materials to see one of the wonders of aerodynamics in action. 

  

2. Watch and Discuss 

Wach the "Flight" presentation (Downloadable Materials) and talk about the ideas and questions that come up during the discussion. 

  

3. Experience Flight at Salina Nature Reserve 

Plan a winter visit (December to March) to Salina Nature Reserve. Children can see how wintering gulls and other birds use the wind to fly. Use the "Riding the Wind worksheet" (Downloadable Materials) for observations during the visit. Children can also take part in flight-related activities at the reserve. 


Resources & Equipment Needed

  • Strips of paper 20cm long;
  • Pencils;
  • Clipboards (one per child);

You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF

Downloadable Material

Flight

YouTube Video

Activity Sheet_Riding the wind

PDF Document

Watch it rise experiment

PDF Document

Riding the wind worksheet

PDF Document

Make sure to take photos of:
1. Children doing the lift experiment
2. Children doing activities at Salina
Activity Photos for Inspiration

Learning Outcomes & Curriculum Integration

Subjects

  • - Science

Learning Outcomes

5.2.1. List characteristics of life and explain why each is essential: movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition.

5.5.2. Name forms of energy movement.

 

Integration with Curriculum

Sorry but this is currently not available - will be added soon!