Get involved in our November Science Challenge - Wind Vane
November Science Challenge: Wind Vane
You will need adult help for this.
Resources:
- A pencil with a rubber on top
- A straw
- Card cut into shapes (see picture for the shapes that you need)
- Plasticine/play dough
- A pin
- Tape or glue
Instructions:
- Cut out the card shapes for each end of the wind vane and fix in place with tape or glue (the arrow end needs to be a little bigger than the tail end so it can be pushed by the wind).
- Roll the plasticine/play dough into a ball and push the pencil in (make sure the top of the pencil is in the plasticine).
- Ask an adult to carefully push the pin through the straw and into the rubber.
- Make sure that the straw can spin freely. Choose a spot outside that is not sheltered from the wind so the wind vane can spin.
You could then use a compass to work out which way the wind is blowing.
Please send a photo on Class Dojo to your teacher. All entries will receive a sticker.
The Science:
Wind is a natural movement of air across the surface of the Earth. It is driven by energy from the sun. It can range from a light breeze to a dangerous hurricane or tornado. Wind forms when air moves between areas of different pressure. Wind is a renewable energy source, so it can be used over and over again.
Science of the Month: Renewable Energy
Choose one of the following topics to investigate:
- Find out which country has the biggest wind farm in the world. How many wind turbines does it have?
- Investigate what renewable energy sources are being used in the UK today.
- Find out why hurricanes only happen in certain countries around the world.
