Land yachts can provide a great introduction to ‘investigating’ in science.
Even very young pupils (reception class) can suggest things to do which might affect the performance of the land yacht.
It’s all about ‘cause and effect’.
The starting point is simply observing the land yachts being blown along by a desk fan and then asking...
Will the one with the blue sail or the one with the red sail go the fastest?
Does the colour of the sail matter?
Is there a better way of finding an answer than guessing?
Does the size of the sail make a difference?
Does the shape of the sail make a difference
Does two sails on the same mast make a difference
Do straight sails or ‘angled’ sails make a difference?
Simple changes can be made and the land yachts tried repeatedly to try and find out the answers.
Reasons can then be put forward as to why things happen the way they have discovered.
The wind can push things.
Larger (wider, taller) objects get more of a push etc. etc.
Happy Land Yachting!