Origami is an art form that is predominantly for the aesthetics and the fun in the activity. The idea behind making a windmill with origami is that a windmill is a very basic structure that is used widely. It is an easy first step to understanding how energy is created as well as learning how to work carefully with one’s hands to make a perfect windmill. And last but not the least, you end up with a pretty windmill!
Resources needed (per person):
Square origami paper: 1
Pencil
Ruler
Pin (straight pin used on boards):1
Straw:1
Blue tack
Scissors
Time required:
30 minutes
Concepts taught:
Direction of wind, the process of generating electricity
Instructions for Students:
Step 1-
Take a square piece of paper.
Step 2-
Use a pencil and ruler to draw two diagonal lines, corner to corner, that cross at the square’s centre.
Mark the centre point and a point 1/3rd away from each other on the diagonal lines.
Step 3-
Cut on the diagonal from each corner up to the marked point.
Step 4-
Using the pin, punch a hole in the centre and towards the tip of every corner.
Step 5-
Curl each pierced point towards the centre and poke the pin through the holes.
Step 6-
Pierce the pin through the straw towards the top and secure it there with blue tack.
* Condition: The windmill should be able to rotate, do not secure it too tightly to the straw.
Instruction for Teachers:
Following Instructions
Observe how the students follow instructions. Only give them one set of instructions and see if intuitively they can figure out what the next one would be. If they cannot follow the instructions properly, simplify your language.
Temperament
As origami is a fiddly process, see how calmly they can work. Students should be assisted during this activity as it requires precision while drawing lines and cutting the paper. Assist kids who are finding it difficult to make it on their own. It's important that kids do not feel overwhelmed by the difficulty level of the project.
Conceptual Understanding
Explain the science behind a windmill, and how it works in a day to day scenario. Make sure you gauge their understanding by using methods like Socratic questioning.Try to draw diagrams if you can access a board.
