Introduction:

This mini project will allow students to create a paper windmill that's capable of spinnig, requiring students to utilize and practice necessary folding techniques that enhance their cognitive abilities and motor skills.

Learning Objective:

After completing this lesson, students will be able to make a paper windmill independently and apply the involved folding techniques along with the use of tools in the future.

Target Audience:

This project is created for but not limited to children who are in Grade 1-6.

Core Disciplinary Standards:

1. Core Concepts of Technology and Engineering:

This project involves core concepts of technology including the use of design processes, uderstanding of input/output, and designing a working prototype.

2. Integration of Knowledge, Technologies, and Practices:

The project integrates the use of techniques, tools, motor skills, along with the application of simple science into the final design.

Technology and Engineering Practices:

1. Creativity:

Students will be able to learn new ways that papers can be used and folded in order to create a completely different product, which can enhance their creative thinking ability.

2. Making and Doing:

By following step by step instructions, students must fold papers, utilize tools, and assemble materials by themselves in order to build the final product

Technology and Engineering Contexts:

1. Material Conversion and Processing:

Students will learn how papers can be cut and coverted into different sizes. They will also learn the flexibility of materials in design.

2. Energy and Power:

The paper windmill can illustrate how a real windmill provides power by transfering wind energy.

Supplies

A4 sized paper ($0.1)
pencil ($0.1)
ruler ($1)
cutting tools ($2)
glue sticks ($1)
push pins/thumbtacks ($1)
straw/balsa wood ($1)

Estimated total cost: $7

Step 1: Making A4 Paper a "15cm X 15cm Square"

Use a ruler and a pencil to measure and mark 15 cm on one edge of the A4 paper as a reference point for length. Next, use the reference point to measure and mark another 15 cm for width. Then, close the square by drawing straight lines all the way to the egde. Finally, cut through the straight lines by using a scissor to make the 15 x 15 square.

Step 2: Find the Center of the Square

1. Find the center point of the square by drawing cross lines from one conor to the opposite cornor. The line intersection is the center point.

2. Use a ruler to measure and mark 3 cm from the center point to a conor and repeat the process.

Step 3: Cut From the Cornor to the 3 Cm Mark

Cut from the cornor along the line until you hit the 3 cm mark. Repeat the process untill you cut all 4 lines.

Then, use a pencil to write down numbers "1, 2, 3, 4" exactly like the picture shows.

Step 4: The Wheel

1. Apply glue stick around the center point.

2. After applying the glue, grab "number 1" and gentlely paste it to the center where glue was applied (*Do not fold the pointy end).

3. After it's firmly glued, apply more glue on top.

4. Then, grab number 2 and do the same.

5. Repeat according to the numerical order.

Step 5: Thumbtacks

1. Take out a thumbtack and a straw.

2. Use the thumbtack to poke through the straw and remove the thumbtack afterwards.

Step 6: Connect the Wheel to the Straw

1. Use the thumbtack to poke through the center of the wheel you just made (do not remove the thumbtack)

2. Then, connect the wheel to the straw by using the thumbtack.

3. Remember to leave some space inbeween the wheel and the straw to make it loose.

Congratulations! You've made a paper windmill.

Try blowing some air on the wheel to see if it spins!

Introduction: Paper Windmill