We have a lot of wind here in Southern California. Even if you don’t have much wind where you live, kids will enjoy making and using an anemometer with a fan or simpy by blowing on it.
Easy Anemometer Kids Can Make:
You Will Need:
- 4 cupcake liners (or small paper cups)
- 2 plastic straws
- pencil with eraser
- thumbtack
- tape
If the plastic straws have a bent part, cut that off on each straw with a pair of scissors. Cross the straws at the center to form an ‘X’. Use tape to secure it so the straws do not move around. Tape one cupcake liner onto the end of each straw so that the cupcake holders are all facing back to front in the same direction (as shown in the image above). Pierce the straws with the tack at the center of the ‘X’. Then, pierce the eraser end of the pencil so that the straws structure is connected to the pencil.
Once the anemometer is complete, children can explore it in a number of ways. They can hold it outside or place it in the ground and observe the way the wind moves it. Daily observations can be recorded in a notebook. I suggest removing it from the ground between days as it will not hold up to strong winds. Children can create their own wind by blowing on the inside of one of the cups until it spins. they can also use a handheld fan to make it spin. They can observe what happens in a light breeze and compare it to a stronger wind.
Here is Capri blowing on it to make it spin:
We are excited to take part in the 28 Days of STEM and STEAM Activities for Kids by Left Brain Craft Brain. You will find many great ideas to try with your children or students there throughout the month.
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