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Make a Wind Vane

For Older Kids:

Try making this simple version of the familiar weather vane to find out which way the wind is blowing.

What You Need:

• a new pencil with eraser
• a drinking straw
• a straight pin or long push pin
• cardstock or index cards
• scissors
• tape
• compass

What You Do:

• Balance the straw on the eraser end of the pencil to find its center.
• Poke the pin through the straw, and into the eraser, at that point. The straw should be able to spin freely on the pin. Wiggle the pin to enlarge the hole, if necessary.
• Cut a triangle-shaped arrow head and a slightly larger square-shaped tail from the cardstock.
• Carefully slit both ends of the straw. Insert the head and tail into the slits. Secure with tape.
• Take the wind vane outside. Fasten it to a structure, such as a deck rail, or simply hold it upright in a windy location.
• Use a compass to confirm which way north, east, south, and west lie. The wind vane should point in the direction from which the wind is blowing.

More Observe and Explore Activities:

• Observe Snowflakes
• Participate in Project Budburst
• Take a Pre-Winter Walk