How to Determine Wind Direction
Wind is created when air moves from areas of high to low pressure. A wind vane, which is also known as a weather vane, allows you to determine wind direction because it rotates and points in the direction from which the wind is coming. A wind vane also helps you to predict changes in the weather.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Cardboard file folder
- T-pin
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil with a new eraser
- Drinking straw
- Modeling clay
- Paper plate
- Compass
- Wind Vane
Instructions
-
Build a Wind Vane
-
1
Cut out a 2-inch arrow point and a 4-inch arrow tail from the cardboard file folder.
-
2
Make a 1-inch slit on both ends of the plastic drinking straw.
-
-
3
Place the arrow point and the arrow tail you cut out into the slices of the straw.
-
4
Insert the pin down through the center of the straw and into the pencil's eraser.
-
5
Push the pointed end of the pencil into the modeling clay to create the base of the wind vane.
-
6
Write North, South, East and West in the proper locations on the paper plate, and then place the clay on the center of the plate.
-
7
Blow on the vane to simulate wind and make sure the arrow is spinning without difficulty.
Use the Wind Vane to Determine Wind Direction
-
8
Set the paper plate on a smooth surface and place the wind vane on the plate.
-
9
Locate North using the compass, and set the wind vane with its arrow pointing in this direction.
-
10
Observe the direction in which the arrow of the wind vane is pointing once the wind begins to blow. This is the direction of the wind.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Choose an outdoor location away from buildings, trees and other obstructions that may prevent the wind vane from determining the direction of the wind.
