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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Elementary

Description

A severe drought has decimated the maize crop and plunged William's village into food scarcity and financial hardship.  Unable to attend school, the inquisitive young boy explores the local library and discovers a world of science that fosters his inventiveness.  William is inspired to help his community and by using scavenged materials and help from his cousins an idea soon becomes reality.  As windmills provide electricity and pump water to the crops, the small Malawian village is transformed.  This inspiring true story teaches students that with innovation, determination and action a dream of a better world without poverty can be accomplished.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book provides a reading experience through which Grade K-3 students will develop comprehension skills as they explore global connections between themselves and other children.  Social Studies concepts related to human needs, human rights and the relationship between humans and their environment are reinforced as students learn how William becomes an active community citizen and a world-wide advocate for his people.  The story strengthens Science understanding of renewable energy, motion, wind power, and the use of plants by humans.  Students will also understand the vital link between water and life and the impacts of drought on plant growth and human well-being.

To extend the learning experience a teacher could involve pupils in a science activity in which they design and build their own mini windmills.  The KidWind organization also provides a number of other resources that explore renewable energy.  The windmill project and more information about wind power can be found here.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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        • Economics: Knowledge of basic economic concepts, such as needs, wants, resources, labour, innovation, trade, and capital, will build toward an understanding of economic systems.
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        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Everyone has a unique story to share
        • Stories and other texts can be shared through pictures and words
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science: The motion of objects depends on their properties
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Rights, roles, and responsibilities shape our identity and help us build healthy relationships with other
        • Identity and Families
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Everyone has a unique story to share.
        • Stories and other texts can be shared through pictures and words
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
        • Science 1:Light and sound can be produced and their properties can be changed
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Everyone has a unique story to share.
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Water is essential to all living things and it cycles through the environment
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Regional and Global Communities: Individuals have rights and responsibilities as global citizens
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      • English/Language Arts
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        • Language and story can be a source of creativity and joy.
        • Stories can be understood from different perspectives
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Indigenous Peoples:Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits, and ancestors

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • Community-Building and Participation

Energy (1)

  • Alternative Energy

Food & Agriculture (1)

  • Subsistence Farming

Human Rights (1)

  • Cultural Diversity

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