Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - The Great Parachute Project!

Transportation in the Air Sharing Project - After reading several transportation in the air books, I instructed my students to make a small parachute and attach it to a small doll at home for homework.  I told them we would release them from a special spot at school!  (I put a small step ladder in the front of the class.  I helped each child up the ladder.  Two other students were on hand to hold the person on the ladder in place.)  I gave each student two or three chances to launch his/her parachute from the ladder.

Guiding questions I asked each student about their parachute -

What materials did you use to make your parachute?

How long did it take you to make?

Who is going to take a ride on your parachute today?

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - A Swimming Pool in my Classroom!?!

Am I Brave????  You bet!!!  I LOVE bringing a small plastic baby pool into my classroom for the "Water Transportation" segment of my four week long transportation unit.  I leave it in the room for my students to enjoy floating boats they create that week during their open center times!  I just make sure I have lots of towels on hand and clear "Do's and Don't."  The activity consists of building a 6 to 10 inch boat out of "whatever floats your boat!"  I explain the activity to parents in my newsletter a few weeks prior to the activity and ask them to collect junk materials that might help us build boats.  Parents love to volunteer to help with the building day.  I keep a few tubs of water handy for the students to test their boats during construction.  This activity can also be used as an at home project to be brought in for sharing (show and tell).

Each student has the opportunity to tell about his/her boat upon completion.  Some guiding questions I like to ask are as follows:
What materials did you use to make your boat?
What type of boat is it?
How many inches long its it?  (I hand them a ruler when I ask this question!)
Will it float?  Show us.  (They take it to the baby pool for the big launch!!

See this unforgettable exciting teaching/learning experience in action below!!

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Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - Building Harry's Helicopter

I read Harry’s Helicopter by Joan Anderson to my class.  As they sat and listened and viewed the photo illustrations in fascination, they imagined themselves flying their own helicopter made of of mere boxes!!  Prior to reading this story, we collected several large boxes that could be made into a giant helicopter that two to four children can fit in.  I arranged for a few parent volunteers to assist with construction and painting of the helicopter.  Small groups of children worked on the different stages creating the helicopter so that everyone has a chance to participate.  When the helicopter was complete, it was a PERFECT open-center activity.  Many of the children made books about their adventurous trips they took in the helicopter!

*Tip – When the helicopter is complete, schedule a few groups of students a day to have time in the helicopter.  A plunger works great for the steering apparatus and head phones are a must!  Set clear “Do’s and Don'ts” for use of the helicopter.  

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