Grade 3 Art And Craft Sculpture – Propellers Notes
For learners aged 8 (Kenya)
Today we make simple sculptures that move — propeller sculptures. We will learn how to design and build a propeller (a turning blade) using easy materials found in homes and schools in Kenya.
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- Identify the parts of a propeller (blade, hub, stick) with pictures or drawings.
- Create a simple propeller sculpture using recycled materials (e.g., plastic bottle or cardboard).
- Show how wind or blowing can make the propeller turn and explain in simple words why it moves.
- Work safely with scissors and glue and show care for the environment by reusing waste.
Materials (use locally available items)
Key Vocabulary
- Propeller — the set of blades that turn in the wind.
- Blade — a flat part that catches the wind.
- Hub — the center that holds the blades together.
- Axle — the stick or pin that the propeller turns on.
- Recycle — to use something old to make something new.
Suggested Learning Experiences (step-by-step)
Use these classroom-friendly steps. Work in small groups or pairs. Demonstrate once, then let learners try.
- Show a finished propeller made from cardboard or a bottle.
- Explain parts: blade, hub and axle. Blow on it so pupils see it spin.
- Draw two long leaf-shaped blades on cardboard (about 10–12 cm long). Cut them out.
- Make a small round hub (2–3 cm circle) from cardboard or a bottle cap.
- Attach blades to the hub at equal spaces (opposite or 3-blade design). Use glue or tape.
- Push a pin or short skewer through the centre of the hub into a pencil or stick so the propeller can spin.
- Decorate with colours, patterns inspired by Kenyan fabrics or nature (flowers, kitenge patterns, acacia tree shapes).
- Test outside in a light breeze or let pupils blow on it to see it turn.
Tip: If using a plastic bottle, cut the bottle side into blade shapes and attach them around the bottle neck as the hub.
- Take the propellers outside. Observe which design turns best. Ask: Which blade shape worked well? Why?
- Talk about wind strength and how blade shape changes movement.
- Pupils present their propeller: name, materials used, what they learned.
- Display sculptures on a class board or hang as a mobile from the ceiling.
Simple visual: propeller sketch
Assessment ideas (how teacher checks learning)
- Observe pupils as they make the propeller: Did they name parts? (blade, hub, axle)
- Ask short questions: "How did you make your propeller spin?" "What material did you reuse?"
- Use a simple checklist: completed propeller, can explain movement, used safe practices.
Safety and environment
- Always supervise cutting tools and sharp pins.
- Use blunt needles or push pins under adult help; consider using beads or washers to reduce friction instead of sharp metal.
- Encourage recycling: collect clean plastic bottles and cardboard from home.
Extension activities (for fast or enthusiastic learners)
- Make a mobile of several propellers with different sizes — hang it under a classroom shade.
- Try different blade shapes (wide, narrow, twisted) and record which spins fastest.
- Link with science: discuss wind energy and simple machines.
Links to Kenyan context and culture
Use patterns and colours inspired by local fabrics (kitenge and kikoy), drawings of acacia trees, or animal shapes (zebra stripes) when decorating. Encourage pupils to bring safe recycled materials from home (clean bottles, cardboard boxes) and to share stories about how people in Kenya use wind (for boats on small lakes, drying crops, or cooling). This supports creativity and environmental care.
Prepared for Class activities — Art & Craft (age 8) — Kenya