Boy Who Harnessed the Wind 3rd Grade Engineering STEM Activity

Integrate STEM Learning in your classroom.

In the Windmill STEM Activity, students investigate design and build 2 windmills and test which works better. This STEM lesson is designed to be a companion to The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer.

This challenge is designed specifically with 3rd grade in mind. However, it also works well in 2nd grade STEM, 4th Grade STEM, Makerspaces, and Libraries.

Learning Objective:
I can generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem.

Material List:

• Cardboard
• Paper/Cardstock
• Paper Plates
• Straws
• Brads
• Tape
• Scissors
• Clean Recyclable Materials
• Pencils and STEM Journals
• Hair Dryer (to test the windmills)
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

Includes:

• Teacher Instructions
• Student STEM Journal
• Student Instructions
• STEM Activity
• Vocabulary Words
• Student Reflection Sheet
• Rubric

The Engineering Design Process:

During the Explore part of the lesson, Students plan, design, and execute their own ideas. They follow the six step Engineering Design Process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Experiment, Improve.

After they have completed their activity, there is time for reflection on what worked and what didn't.

*The book link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. We get a small commission if you use it to buy the book.