How Wind and a River Move Leo’s Boats

How Wind and a River Move Leo’s Boats: Grade 4 Science Worksheet

Why does a sailboat slow down when the wind stops? A short Florida story shows how moving air and moving water push boats. Students read a short story about Leo, whose sailboat moves when the wind fills the sail and slows when the wind stops, and whose canoe floats down a Florida spring river. Then they answer circle questions about moving air and moving water.

Key Science Vocabulary

• energy: the ability to make things move or change
• wind: moving air
• sail: cloth that catches the wind
• spring river: a Florida river fed by underground springs
• push: a force that moves something away

What Students Do

• Read a short story about a day on the water with three doodles
• Part A: three circle questions about moving air
• Part B: three circle questions about moving water
• Answer key with red reason lines

Standards

Florida SC.4.P.10.4: Describe how moving water and air are sources of energy and can be used to move things.

Where It Fits in Grades 3 to 8

This story sheet pairs with How Moving Air and Water Move Things. In grade 5 and middle school, wind and water energy connect to renewable energy, turbines, and how engineers capture energy from nature.

Teaching Tip

Read the story aloud once, then have students underline every clue about what pushes each boat before they answer. Prints clearly in black and white and takes 8 to 10 minutes.