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Home » Weather Experiments » How to Make a Wind Vane

How to Make a Wind Vane

Published: Aug 21, 2021 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

A wind vane ( sometimes known as a weather vane ) is used to show the direction of the wind. Wind vanes are mounted so they can spin under the influence of the wind.

This very simple wind vane is made by attaching a straw to the eraser end of a pencil with a pin allowing it to spin freely.

Wind direction is just one factor used to predict the weather. Temperature, wind speed, pressure and humidity are also used.

If you like this post you’ll love my full collection of weather science experiments.

How to make a wind vane

You’ll need

A pencil with an eraser on top.

Straw

Card cut into the shapes below

A pin

Plasticine or play dough

Tape

Materials for a make your own wind vane

Instructions

Cut out the card shapes for each end of the wind vane and fix in place with tape or glue. The arrow end needs to be a little bigger than the tail end to ensure it is pushed by the wind to point in the direction the wind blows.

Roll the plasticine into a ball and push the pencil in with the top in the plasticine.

Carefully ( ask an adult to help ) push the pin through the straw into the eraser.

Make sure the straw can spin freely.

Choose a spot outside that’s isn’t sheltered from the wind and watch as the wind vane spins.

Use a compass to work out which way the wind is blowing.

DIY wind vane made from a pencil, straw, a pin and card

More weather experiments for kids

Make a super simple rain gauge to measure rainfall.

Can you blow down the Three Little Pigs house?

There’s Just one Mommy has a brilliant wind anemometer you can make to measure wind speed.

Make a weather station using pine cones.

DIY wind vane made from a pencil, card and a pin

Last Updated on August 21, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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