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Science

Windy-Day Wardrobe

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Grades K-225-35 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids dress a doll in different fabrics and test them against wind and rain to find the best winter outfit. A cozy, practical way to explore material properties through pretend play.

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Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Prep: 11 minActivity: 30 min1 session~$2/groupTable space plus a short supervised observation areaBeginner-friendly

Setup

Gather only common or recycled items needed to dress a paper doll or stuffed animal in test outfits made from different fabric scraps. Place the materials beside a simple recording sheet or blank paper, and prepare the Windy-Day Wardrobe challenge in one working area; no digital device is needed.

Activity

  1. Look outside or watch a video of a windy, chilly day and talk about what kind of clothing would keep someone warm and dry.
  2. Dress a paper doll or stuffed animal in test outfits made from different fabric scraps.
  3. Fan the doll with paper to make wind and spritz a little water for rain, discovering the plastic-wrap outfit blocks water but traps too much heat, so a fabric layer is added underneath.
  4. Present the final winning wardrobe and explain which material handled the wind and which handled the rain.

Done when: The learner completes Windy-Day Wardrobe after carrying out this core test: Fan the doll with paper to make wind and spritz a little water for rain, discovering the plastic-wrap outfit blocks water but traps too much heat, so a fabric layer is added underneath. The learner then uses that result to complete the final task: Present the final winning wardrobe and explain which material handled the wind and which handled the rain.

Materials

paper doll or stuffed animal, fabric scraps (cotton, fleece, plastic wrap), paper fan, clothespins

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Look outside or watch a video of a windy, chilly day and talk about what kind of clothing would keep someone warm and dry.
  2. Dress a paper doll or stuffed animal in test outfits made from different fabric scraps.
  3. Fan the doll with paper to make wind and spritz a little water for rain, discovering the plastic-wrap outfit blocks water but traps too much heat, so a fabric layer is added underneath.
  4. Present the final winning wardrobe and explain which material handled the wind and which handled the rain.