Mrs. Leydig’s third-grade students at Harrison Park Elementary wrapped up a science unit on weather with an engineering challenge focused on protecting communities and crops from strong winds.
The students designed and built models of different types of windbreaks, including walls, fences, and natural windbreaks made with trees. The goal was to discover which designs would be most effective in protecting fruit during severe weather conditions.
To test their models, students used a hair dryer set on both low and high speeds to simulate the winds of thunderstorms and hurricanes. The “fruit” placed behind the windbreaks helped students observe whether their structures successfully reduced wind impact.
After testing, students reflected on the effectiveness of their designs and discussed how windbreaks can help protect communities during storms.
Paige Letterio, Kayden Passino, Zander Smithmyer, and Silas Fox build a model of a windbreak fence
Delvin Frey, Ben Plues, Evan Lewis, and Aria Marrone with their model of a nature windbreak
Reagan Houy, Lilly McGuirk, Sammie Younger, and Joy Dixon with their model fence windbreak