YES Elementary
Engineering Sun Hats
Kindergarten
Energy
In Classrooms
Students explore the cooling effects of shade as they engineer sun hats that block sunlight and meet users’ needs.
Unit Overview
Students work in pairs and use the Engineering Design Process to design a sun hat that meets both of their needs. Students experience that it feels cooler in the shade than in sunlight, investigate the relationship between a hat’s form and function, and explore materials’ ability to create shade.
- 9 lessons
- 45 minutes per lesson
- Student materials available in Spanish
| Curriculum Line | YES Elementary |
| Engineering Field | Materials Engineering |
| Science Domain | Physical Science |
| Science Topic | Sunlight and shade |
| Suggested Grade Level | Kindergarten, Lower Elementary |
Standards Alignment
YES units align with state and national science standards, integrating seamlessly with popular elementary science curricula.
Unit Resources
Digital Resources (FREE)
YES provides these materials free of charge! Use the link below to download resources from our Google Drive.
Download ResourcesPurchase Materials
Educator Guide Pack -
$69
- Full-color print educator guide, plus multiple sets of heavy-duty reusable color-print resources (ex. vocabulary cards, materials glossaries, station signs, and student instructions) for the class.
Materials Kit -
$229
- Hands-on materials to support 24 learners.
Watch Clips From Engineering Sun Hats
I'm a Make a Big Brim!
What Does Our Hat Need to Cover?
Do You See the Light?
Teacher Preparation Videos
Lesson 4 Preperations: Hat Base
Lesson 7 Preparation: Add String to Hat Base
Videos for Students
Lesson 5: Shade Testing Procedure
Lesson 7: Test a Sun Hat Outside
Lesson 7: Test a Sun Hat Inside
Unit Map
Students read a story about two children who design sun hats to keep them shaded from sunlight. Students sequence the events of the story to learn about the Engineering Design Process.
Students go outside to experience how they feel in the sunlight and in the shade.
Students sort hats by how well they make shade. They identify the parts of a hat that make shade on different parts of the body.
Students identify floppy and stiff materials and explore construction techniques to create a sturdy hat brim that stays out of their eyes.
Students test materials to determine which work well to make shade.
Students independently imagine ideas for their sun hats. They work with a partner to plan a sun hat that will meet both of their needs.
Students create their sun hats and test how well their designs block sunlight.
Students identify aspects of their sun hats to improve. They make adjustments and test their improved designs.
Students parade their sun hats to share their designs with their peers and reflect on their engineering work.