Chapter Graphic
 : Windsock
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Approach: One to one Level: 4 & 8 
Focus:   Investigating, applying and evaluating design 
Resources: Video recording on laptop computer, decorative windsock
608kb

Questions/instructions:
This activity uses the computer.
YEAR 8 ONLY:
Click on the Windsock button. [No sound]
We’re going to watch a video of one type of windsock, which is used to help pilots when taking off and landing their planes.

 
 
 

Click on Video 1 button.

% responses
y4
y8
1. How might the windsock help the pilot with taking off?
tells pilot where wind is coming from
•
65
plane lands/takes off better into wind
•
15
2. What might the dangers be if there was no windsock?
strong side/cross winds dangerous for landing or taking off
•
7
Now let’s have a look at a video of another kind of windsock.This one is a decorative windsock.
Click on Video 2 button. [no sound]
YEAR 4 ONLY:
We’re going to watch a video of a decorative windsock.
Click on the Windsock button.
[Same video as for year 8; no sound]
YEAR 4 & YEAR 8:
Here is that windsock. Have a careful look at the windsock now.
Hand out windsock. Encourage the student to have a good look at it.
3. Try to explain to me how somebody went about making this. Try to describe all the things they would do – starting from before they actually began to make the wind sock – then the things they did as they were making it.
4. Why is the windsock made like this?
conceiving idea/mental image
19
36
developing or finding an appropriate pattern
18
34
Number of materials mentioned:
7
0
0
• fabric – first colour
• fabric – second colour
• fabric – third colour
• stiffening/cardboard
• thread for sewing
• string for hanging
• metal swivel/swizel
6
3
3
5
7
12
4
15
14
3
24
23
2
27
22
1
14
19
0
10
7

To what extent did the explanation deal with the functionality of the windsock:
(includes consideration of important characteristics of materials – colour, strength, durability)

   
high
2
5
medium
15
24
low
83
71
Description of necessary work to prepare components to fit design – cutting and shaping:
detailed description of almost all steps
0
1
detailed description of some steps
4
13
some basic detail
31
37
no clear ideas/vague outline only
41
28
no relevant response
24
21
Description of process of joining components to make complete windsock: (particularly sewing)
detailed full description
0
4
covered several steps, but omitted some too
12
23
some basic detail (e.g. sew it)
46
47
no clear ideas/vague outline only
27
17
no relevant response
15
9
student specifically addressed the issue of making the windsock decorative
22
33
Total score:
12–21
4
11
   
9–11
18
29
6–8
31
34
3–5
36
19
0–2
11
7

Commentary:
Only about 20 percent of year 4 students and 40 percent of year 8 students gave at least a somewhat detailed account of how the windsock would be planned and made.
 
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