Secondary Module 1: Finding the Breeze

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Learning Objectives

Understand how wind is formed by differences in air pressure and temperature, and explore the patterns it creates around the world.
Use tools like wind indicators and anemometers to measure and record wind speed and direction.
Design, build, and test your own working anemometer, and investigate how well it performs as a simple machine.
Apply mathematical skills to calculate apparent wind speeds and angles, and explain how these calculations relate to sailing.
Connect classroom learning to the real world by linking wind science to sailing technology, renewable energy, and the story of the America’s Cup.

Lesson Description

This module is broken into five lessons :

Lesson 1 - Intro to wind:
Students will explore how wind is formed, and how to measure wind. Instruments such as anemometers and wind indicators will be used for a practical understanding of these concepts. Students will read the theory of these concepts and will learn the history of the America’s Cup in the ‘STEM in Focus’ section.

Lesson 2 - Plan the build:
Students will use the STEM Learning Process to ‘Build an anemometer that can measure wind’. This may require research and group work prior to building the design.

Lesson 3 - Create, test and measure:
Students will spend a lesson constructing their design and will begin testing it. Convert results from RPM into knots. Record results in a table with option to present as a graph of student’s choice.

Lesson 4 - Improve, analyse and apply:
Students will have an opportunity to use SCAMPER to modify one feature of their original design. They will then rebuild this design with this change, re-test it and note any changes/improvements. Students will also analyse their design using the STEM Challenge Analysis Questions section.

Lesson 5 - Optional 'Extra for Experts':
If time permits, students will begin the ‘Extra for Experts’ section. This is a series of application questions that are based on the reading and understanding of the entire module.

Please note - Lesson times are a pacing guide. You can adjust the pace depending on your school's timetable/students' abilities.

Resources

Access resources here

Secondary Teaching Program (Linked to Australian Curriculum
Secondary Module 1 Teacher Guide
Secondary Module 1 Student Workbook
Secondary Module 1 Student Workbook (Answers)
Secondary Module 1 Student PowerPoint
Secondary Module 1 Teacher PowerPoint
Secondary Module 1 Lab Request Form
Secondary Module 1 Assessment
Secondary Module 1 Assessment Answer Key

Other Modules

Module 1	Module 2	Module 3	Module 4	Module 5
Module 6	Module 7	Module 8	Module 9	Module 10