SCIENCE

1.         Wheels are used to move objects to destinations.

2.         Wheels move faster when they are going downward than when they are going
            straight, and level.

3.         Some vehicles transport heavy materials.  These are called construction equipment.

4.         Some construction vehicles are made to be very strong so they can push very
            heavy things, like dirt.

ACTIVITY PLAN

Theme Transportation                                                         Curriculum Area  Science
Name of activity Wheel-O-Distance

 Learning Objective:

            Children can discover that wheels have a purpose and are used to move objects

Materials Needed:

            A child-sized bike

            One piece of chalk

            An outside playground or sidewalk

            * You can include a piece of poster board and graph the results with children.

Advance Preparation Needed:

            Have the bike parked outside in the desired area.  If you choose to graph

            Your discoveries have a poster board ready that is split into two sections

            Labeled # of spins, and destination of the bike.

Directions:

            Start your activity by asking the children if they have a bike at home and where

            they go when they ride it.  Tell them that the wheels on the bike make them move

            and take them where they want to go.  Go over all of the types of transportation

            that are moved by wheels and tell the children that you are going outside to

            measure the turns of the bike wheel.  Take the children outside and ask them to

             pick out a destination. 

            Mark your starting point with chalk and make a mark on the tire.  Assist the

            Children in counting how many times they see the mark on the tire go to the

            ground. 

Special Instructions to Staff:

            This activity will involve close supervision from the teacher.  Keep in

            mind that the children like to experience activities on their own, so give them a
            chance to move the bike and mark your spots.  Stay close to ensure safety.

Materials to Use in Introduction Activity:

            A child’s bike

            Explain safety procedures

Source of Idea:  Sobut, Mary A.,  Complete Early Childhood Curriculum Resource.  New

                                    York:  Neuman Bogen, 1997.