Whirly bird / Activity Analysis

Science

• The child learned about gravity and air resistance as they observed the spinning motion of the whirly bird and its descent to the ground.
• They gained an understanding of cause and effect as they experimented with different designs and shapes to see how it influenced the flight of the whirly bird.
• The child developed observation skills as they noted the differences in the flight patterns between various designs of the whirly bird.

Continued development can involve introducing the concept of aerodynamics and how different shapes and sizes can affect the flight of objects. They can also learn about the principles of flight and the role of air resistance in slowing down the descent of objects. Encouraging the child to design and create their own whirly birds using different materials can foster creativity and problem-solving skills.

Book Recommendations

• Flight: A Pop-Up Book of Aircraft by Robert Crowther: This interactive book introduces various flying machines and explains the science behind their flight.
• Flying Creatures: Birds, Insects, Mammals by Stephen J. Heard: This book explores the concept of flight in nature, including the physics and biology behind different flying creatures.