Wheeling Away

Show the children a couple of the wheels from the Tech Machines set.
Talk about the attributes and function of wheels.

Ask questions like:

• What shape are wheels?
• How do they move?
• How do they help vehicles get around?
  Talk about how the round shape of wheels allows them to roll easily.

Explain that vehicles with multiple wheels can balance and move heavy objects.
If the children are not used to using the screwdrivers, model how to build a four-wheeled vehicle, using the screwdriver to secure the wheels.

Ask the children to build their very own four-wheeled vehicles.

Explain that they may use the building cards for inspiration or design their own vehicle.

• Some children will use the single tire treads and some will use the long treads that extend over two wheels.
• Help them assemble the tires with treads as needed.

As the children build, help them use the screwdriver to secure their wheels.
Once the children have finished building, ask them to test their vehicles by rolling them across the floor.

Facilitate a discussion about the children’s vehicles.

Ask questions like:

• What kind of vehicle did you build?
• How do the wheels help your vehicle move?

Give children the opportunity to adapt their designs based on what they have learned when they tested them.
Have the children test their vehicles again and tell them to be sure to include a passenger or two!

Build a small ramp and ask the children to roll their vehicles down it.
Encourage the children to test different four-wheeled vehicle designs and mark how far each one rolls.
As a group, compare and contrast the different designs and their ability to roll down the ramp.

Observing the following skills can help you monitor whether the children are developing the necessary competencies:

• Technology - Using technology, such as wheels and simple tools in appropriate ways
• Technology - Asking questions about technology-related concepts
• Engineering - Participating in the engineering process by building and testing models
• Math - Recognizing, comparing, and naming shapes
• Math - Using spatial awareness to understand objects and how they move