Sky's the Limit | Extension | West Virginia University

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The Sky's the Limit is a STEM school enrichment program geared towards upper elementary school grades 3 through 5.

The Sky's the Limit explores aeronautical engineering by guiding youth to design flying technologies as they read daily from the coordinating storybook, “Can you Fly High, Wright Brothers?” They will work to engineer technologies that fly in different ways.

Day 1: Learn about growth mindset and aeronautical engineers as they test materials in a vertical wind tunnel
Day 2: Learn about the Wright brothers and imagine themselves as engineers as they design and test drop copters
Day 3: Learn about early attempts at flight as they design and test flying discs that spin
Day 4: Design and test a flying technology after learning about the Wright brothers' successful attempts at flight.
Day 5: Students learn about current plane designs and advancements and then improve their flying technologies.

Reach

4-H school enrichment programs have already made a difference in classrooms across the state. Check out the map below to see where we’ve partnered with schools. Explore the locations to learn more about our growing reach and commitment to hands-on learning.

Audience

The Sky’s the Limit curriculum is for 3rd to 5th-grade students.

Delivery

WVU Extension will lead the adventures and bring materials for the activities.

Time Commitment

This unit will take 5 class periods (approximately 60 minutes each) to complete.
An optional “Project Showcase” is incorporated into the curriculum design. The project showcase could be a great addition to an open house or parent night.

Cost

The curriculum materials are FREE, and the Extension Office will provide any supplies needed to complete this project.

Education Standards

Ohio County 4-H youths works on a STEMCare project with an adult.

The Sky’s the Limit teaches engineering skills, math, and problem-solving practices. It also overlaps with several science, social studies, ELA, and student success topics and principles. Some of the WVDE education standards covered in this unit are listed below. However, this is not an exhaustive list.

Science

S.3.1 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
S.3.2 Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.
S.5.1 Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science

S.3.16, S.4.14, S.5.15 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time or cost.
S.3.17, S.4.15, S.5.16 Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
S.3.18, S.4.16, S.5.17 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled, and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Mathematical Habits of Mind

MHM1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MHM4 Model with mathematics.
MHM5 Use appropriate tools strategically.
MHM6 Attend to precision.

Student Success

DSS.3-5.6 - Develop Academic Motivation

Use personal skills, interests, and accomplishments to support learning.
Independently and collaboratively approach tasks and activities with flexibility and creativity.
Use abilities and accomplishments to maximize learning opportunities.

DSS.3-5.7- Develop Learning Skills

Work collaboratively to solve problems, complete tasks, and/or investigate topics of interest.
Explore a variety of learning opportunities within the classroom and home environment.
Maintain concentration over a reasonable amount of time despite distractions and interruptions.
Independently complete routines and learning tasks.

ELA

ELA.3.4 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of an informational text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
ELA.4.4 Refer to details and examples in an informational text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
ELA.5.4 Quote accurately from an informational text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Social Studies

SS.5.24.b Identify prominent inventors and scientists of the period and summarize their inventions or discoveries (e.g., Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, the Wright Brothers, Henry Ford and Albert Einstein, etc.).

How do I get this program into my classroom?

Our programs offer hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom instruction and engage students in meaningful ways. Are you ready to bring engaging, hands-on learning activities to your students? Please fill out our short interest survey to start the process. We’ll follow up to discuss options and tailor the program to your school’s needs.

School Enrichment Interest Form