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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Wind Experiment – Make a Pinwheel

    Wind Experiment – Make a Pinwheel

    September 11, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Wind turbines use energy from wind to generate electricity. Each turbine has a generator inside. When the blades rotate they turn the generator which produces electricity. This is a form of non renewable energy, it doesn’t get used up and doesn’t produce harmful polluting gases.

    diagram sohwoing the inside of a wind turbine

    You’ll need

    A square of paper – about 15cm x 15 cm

    Pin

    Scissors

    Pencil with an eraser on the top

    Plasticine

    Image shows paper cut ready to make a pinwheel, a blob of plasticine, pencil with an eraser on the top and a pin

    How to make a pinwheel

    Fold the square of paper along each diagonal and open up again.

    Cut down each diagonal from the corner about ⅔ of the way towards the centre.

    Carefully bring the edges together and poke the pin through the centre. ( ask an adult to help )

    Push the pin through the eraser on the top of the pencil and check the pinwheel spins.

    DIY pinwheel made with paper, a pin, pencil and plasticine. Pinwheel is sat outside on a wooden plank.
    Pinwheel

    Pinwheel investigation ideas

    First check the pinwheel spins if you blow on it.

    Blow from the front, back and each side. Does it spin? Which way does it spin?

    Blow above and below the blades, how does the pinwheel spin now?

    For the next bit, you’ll need a a windy day! If there’s no wind you could use a hairdryer, but use a cool setting and ask an adult to help.

    Now take the pinwheel outside hold it facing the wind, sideways to the wind and away from the wind.

    Record where the pinwheel spins the fastest.

    How do you use your finger to tell which direction the wind is blowing?

    Lick your index finger and hold it in the air. The side of your finger that feels coolest tells you which way the wind is blowing! You’ll need a compass to work out which way this is.

    Another way to find out which way the wind is blowing is to make a wind vane.

    Find out more about wind, and wind turbines in my post full of wind experiments for kids!

    Image shows a pinwheel resting on top of a wooden log for use in a wind science experiments

    Last Updated on September 13, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

    « Autumn STEM Challenges
    What is the Beaufort Scale? »

    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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