How to Make a Windmill Out of Popsicle Sticks

Things You'll Need

Popsicle Sticks
Glue
Knife or sharp scissors

Model windmills can teach about these great structures.

Windmills have served many purposes throughout world history, as man learned to harness the power of the wind to automate manual tasks such as grinding corn and pumping water. In recent years, the old-fashioned windmills have been updated to a sleeker, more efficient design referred to as a wind turbine. These turbines use the same wind to produce electric energy. Create a simple windmill out of popsicle sticks to demonstrate how this process is achieved or to enhance a lesson about these great structures.

Step 1

Create a square base by laying four sticks flat against the work surface, with ends overlapping. Glue the sticks together where they overlap. Let dry. Repeat three times to create a sturdy base.

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Step 2

Glue an upright stick to both sides of each corner. Place glue along the base and between the two adjacent upright corner pieces to secure them together. Glue a horizontal stick across the tops of each upright Popsicle stick for a crossbeam.

Step 3

Reinforce this structure with two diagonal sticks within each square side. These two sticks should create an X within the square.

Step 4

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create a two story structure.

Step 5

Create a small platform above this structure by gluing four sticks flat against the sides of the top.

Step 6

Place one stick in each corner. Angle the farthest two sticks toward each other and glue them together. Repeat with the closest two sticks. Connect the two triangles with a Popsicle stick across the tops.

Step 7

Insert a Popsicle stick inside the small triangle below the upper platform. Secure it in place.

Step 8

Create a separate square by overlapping and gluing the corners of four sticks together. Create an X inside this square.

Step 9

Create a circle of sticks that fan outward from the center. They should all touch around, but not on, the center point where the X connects.

Step 10

Cut a hole in the center of the X when the project is completely dry.

Step 11

Slide the hole over the Popsicle stick protruding from the top of the windmill structure.

Tip

Use a toothpick instead of a Popsicle stick to connect the base structure with the attachment. This will allow the attachment to spin freely.

Warning

Let each step dry thoroughly before continuing.

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