Pinwheel

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The Goal: To build a working pinwheel

The Project:

Give students supplies such as in the first picture, below.
Ask students to look at the second picture below and try to figure out how to make a working pinwheel just by looking at that picture and using the provided supplies. (not looking up idea online)
After they have done some building and testing, show them one or more options that work.

I did this with 8th graders as part of a wind energy/engineering unit. It kept them fully engaged for and hour and a half class.

Sample supplies to use

Pinwheel inspiration

Pinshweel

Blades

Attaching