Wind and Flight Exploration

Wind exploration builds understanding of air as a real substance that can move objects, foundational to understanding flight.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Air Travel
• Learning area: Understanding the World
• Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception

Objectives

• Observe how wind affects objects
• Explore cause and effect relationships
• Make simple predictions

Materials

• Feathers
• Paper scraps
• Fans
• Observation journals

Instructions

Explore how wind affects different objects and connect observations to how airplanes fly.

Educator tip

Create a 'wind tunnel' using a large fan and let children observe different objects moving through it.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe engagement with cause-effect relationships and ability to make predictions.

More from EYFS Air Travel

• Parts of an Airplane
• Sink or Float: Airport Challenge
• Weather and Flying
• Helicopter Seeds Drop
• Airport Dramatic Play
• Counting Down to Takeoff
• Pilot Communication
• Teamwork Runway Challenge