Fun-filled Wind-based Activities for Kids' Enjoyment
Get ready for a gust of learning with these engaging and age-appropriate science experiments that help children explore the fascinating world of wind. These activities, suitable for summer afternoons in the backyard, combine hands-on crafting with basic scientific observation and measurement.
Construction Paper Kite
Create a colourful construction paper kite and observe it soaring in a breeze. To make the kite, cut out a diamond shape from multi-colour construction paper for the kite's body. Use jumbo triangular pencils for decoration and wooden skewers, cut to fit the kite's length and width, to form the structure. Twist ties hold the skewers together, while yarn creates a tail and is attached to the middle of the skewers. The tail is wound around an empty toilet paper roll for added stability [2].
DIY Anemometer
Kids can measure wind speed by making a simple anemometer using 4 small paper cups, 2 straws, a pencil, tape, and a pin. By counting how many rotations a marked cup makes in one minute, they learn how to estimate wind speed and compare it with a weather report [1].
Paper Pinwheels
Cut construction paper squares to make pinwheels that spin in the wind. This helps children observe wind energy in action and understand how air pressure drives movement [2][5].
Wind Turbine Model
Using pipe cleaners, aluminum foil, and a soda bottle, kids can build a simple wind turbine that spins when wind blows. This introduces concepts of renewable energy and how wind can be converted into mechanical energy [3].
Wind Vane Craft
Making a wind vane with a paper plate, clay, a pin, and glue lets kids discover wind direction by observing how their homemade vane moves [4].
Weather Journal
While not strictly a physical experiment, keeping a daily weather journal—including wind observation—teaches children to track weather patterns and understand how wind fits into larger weather systems [1].
These activities offer a fun and educational way to learn about wind's properties and impacts. Each experiment can be done with everyday materials, making them accessible and safe for kids. Further related physics experiments, such as observing how a pinwheel spins due to air pressure, can complement these wind activities [5].
[1] Weather Wiz Kids
[2] Teaching Kids Science
[3] Instructables
[4] Science Buddies
[5] STEM Activities for Kids
- By constructing a kite using multi-colored construction paper, jumbo triangular pencils, wooden skewers, twist ties, and yarn, you can engage in a science experiment that combines home-and-garden crafting with outdoor-living and basic scientific observation.
- Building a wind turbine model using pipe cleaners, aluminum foil, and a soda bottle is an education-and-self-development activity that introduces children to renewable energy and the conversion of wind into mechanical energy.
- Creating paper pinwheels involves cutting construction paper squares, which provides an opportunity for hands-on learning about wind energy and how air pressure drives movement in a lifestyle setting.
