It’s certainly is windy lately! Do you know from which way the wind is coming?
For today’s science activity head outside and take notice of the wind. Discuss where you feel the wind coming from, if there are clouds in the sky, and if you can see the clouds moving.
Creating a weather vane is a great way to introduce the concept of a compass, and learn one of the ways to use it! If you do not have a compass, use the one on your phone to help your child determine “north”. The way I always remembered compass directions was: north is up and south is down, and the compass says WE across…and bonus, that’s a site word! Maybe Never Eat Soggy Waffles is more your style, though. Illustrate your compass on a piece of cardboard.
When your wind vane is complete find somewhere you can safely secure it outside, preferably somewhere dry. Observe the way the arrow moves each day for a week and record it in your nature journal. What does the wind tell you about the weather?
Materials
- A piece of clay (or play dough)
- Square piece of cardboard
- Pencil with a new eraser
- Push pin
- Straw
- Scissors
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Compass (there is one on your phone!)
Procedure
Follow along with photo instructions from PBS Kids.
Have a craft or activity you think other members of the CMEE community might enjoy? Email the Museum’s Chief Meteorologist, Liz Bard!