Knowing the direction of the wind is an important part of predicting weather because wind brings us our weather. A wind vane is a tool for measuring wind direction and was probably one of the first weather instruments ever used. To determine wind direction, a wind vane spins and points in the direction from which the wind originates. It generally has two parts or ends: one that is usually shaped like an arrow and turns into the wind and one end that is wider so that it catches the breeze. The arrow will point to the direction the wind is blowing from. So if it is pointing to the east, it means the wind has originated from the east. Additionally, wind direction refers to where the wind is originating from. Therefore a west wind means it has originated from the west.
In this activity, we will make a wind vane with the simple materials available to us. Now let’s get into making!
Jump to Instructions
Time Needed:
45 mins
Materials Required:
Cardboard
Needle
Straw
Pencil with eraser attached or Pencil and eraser separately
Scissors
Sketch pens
Concept(s) Taught:
Wind
Skill(s) Focussed:
Frugal Innovation
Aligned Profession(s):
Meteorologist
Instruction Video:
Instructions for Students:
Step 0:
Introduce students to directions and ensure that they can identify North, South, East, and West. Discuss how wind is pivotal in determining the weather in any given place.
Step 1:
Cut a circle out of the cardboard. This will serve as the base of the wind vane. Mark the directions on the cardboard circle.
Step 2:
Cut a triangle out of the cardboard and attach it to the straw to make the pointing arrow.
Step 3:
Insert the pencil to the center of the cardboard circle in such a way that the pointing arrow can be attached to the top of it with a board pin.
Step 4:
The wind vane is ready. Take it to a windy place and experiment with it!
Special Instructions for Teachers:
Focus on the concept
Encourage the students to focus more on the concept and how it influences the real world conditions. Motivate them to identify the practical uses of finding wind’s direction.
Raise the challenge
Once the students have made a basic wind vane, you can challenge the students to make sturdy wind vanes that can withstand heavy winds and stand on its own. You can encourage them to make their own wind vane for their house.
Have fun making and share the works of your students with the hashtag #projectprayogshala to get featured!