After an unforgettable week in Malo-les-Bains as part of their discovery class trip, the pupils of CM1a, CM1b, and CM2c extended their experience in an original and educational way. This seaside stay, focused on science, nature, and life in a community, allowed them to explore the coastal environment, try land yachting, and strengthen bonds across class levels. Inspired by their introduction to land yachting on Dunkirk beach, they took on a new challenge: designing miniature wind-powered land yachts in class!
As part of the school-wide science theme, the project combined skills from science, math, geography, and French while fostering creativity and teamwork. Over three afternoons, students built three-wheeled land yachts powered by wind — recreated in the classroom with a hairdryer!
Grouped into mixed teams across classes, students showed great creativity and cooperation to imagine, test, adjust, and optimize their prototypes. It was a true young engineers’ workshop, blending science, logic, and team spirit.
The goal went far beyond building a nice-looking model: the mission was clear and exciting — get the land yacht to travel as far as possible! Students had to experiment with different sail shapes, balance weights, align wheel axes, and fine-tune dimensions. A hands-on scientific approach at child’s scale, involving hypotheses, trial and error, adjustments, and successes.
Bravo to all for their enthusiasm, inventiveness, and teamwork! This project perfectly reflects the educational values of LfiSV: living knowledge, hands-on learning, and a shared joy of discovery in a caring and inspiring environment.
