Whether you are studying the Vikings, transport or the sea, building a sail can be a great activity. It requires team work and problem solving.
Activity
Set the children the challenge of building a sail using a tarpaulin, rope and tent pegs. They will also find large sticks beneficial as the main mast.
Between you and I, the easiest way to do this is to tie a rope from each corner of the tarpaulin and have these all coming to a central point a few meters in front of where the mast is. Then have the main mast held in place, using one of the rivets on the sail or tying it to it. This can be fiddly and require a fair amount of communication and teamwork.
Which team in your class can create their sail? Can the other teams learn from this?
Younger Children
This is a very tricky activity with younger children. They will require a lot more support. You may consider making kites instead as this still explores the science of wind
Older Children
Look out for team work and communication. Allow ample time for trial and error.