Prep A - Making Rainy-Day Hats Science Investigation
We’ve had a lovely time in Prep A, making rainy day-hats all in the name of science! Our learning journey began by exploring a range of different objects which were made from different materials. We had to identify and explain what they were made from and why we thought those materials had been used. Lots of lengthy discussions about durability, strength and appearance encouraged us to think deeply and develop a sense of curiosity about the things around us in our everyday environment. Miss Brown decided that we could further expand our thinking by designing and making our own hat, specifically to be worn in the rain. We began by making a set of criteria which helped to steer our designs and began thinking about what we would use to make them.
Criteria for measuring success making a Rainy-Day hat!
- It needs to fit your head
- It can’t break
- Rain can’t soak through
- Hat must keep you dry
Next, we tested a range of materials, including fabric, aluminium foil, paper, and plastics using a balloon head and applying water. We had to predict, discuss and decide on which materials we would use for our hats.
Elaborate designs were drawn and attention to detail was fantastic, so beautifully thought out by such clever little minds. The creative lessons began, materials cut, shaped and fixed into some super stylish headwear, many reflecting the original designs and some taking a turn during the creating process. How exciting it was to learn that we would be testing our hats to see if they actually worked!
We had to improvise with our testing as there was no rain! Luckily Miss Brown helped us out with a gentle spray from a watering can!
It was so much fun and almost all hats passed the criteria we had set, how fantastic!
