How to Make a Windmill With a Paper Plate & Play-Doh

Windmills are becoming a familiar sight on the landscape.

Windmills or wind turbines can be used in the generation of electricity and for grinding flour. A model windmill can be made using components as basic as a paper plate and Play-Doh, a sculptable clay for children. Combined with a few other craft materials, you can make a turbine that uses wind currents to spin round and round .

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Paper plate
• Scissors
• Play-Doh
• Wooden dowel, at least 12 inches long
• Push pin

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of a paper plate. Divide the number by 10. Mark off the circumference edge to make 10 equal sections. Cut the section dividers into slots about 1 inch deep.

2. Bend each edge section up at a 90-degree angle. Twist each section slighty to the left so that they all face the same direction.

3. Shape the Play-Doh into a solid base, about 4 inches tall, and a little wider at the bottom than it is at the top. Push dowel into the center-top of the Play-Doh base and pinch the clay around it so that it is held firmly in place.

4. Mark the center of the paper plate and push the push pin through the mark. Push the push pin into dowel near the top, leaving a little space so that the plate can turn easily

5. Direct a breeze towards the paper plate, which will be caught by the folded sections, making it spin.