How to Make a Wind Vane

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.

You’ll need

A pencil with an eraser on top.

Straw

Card cut into the shapes below

A pin

Plasticine or play dough

Tape

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.