Whirly Windmills

Summary:

Students will build a simple windmill to observe wind speed. Teacher will use a fan to blow “wind”. If the fan increases or decreases in speed, the windmill should spin faster or slower. For grades K-2, students will be able to hold their windmills in front of the fan. For grades 3-5, students will create free standing windmills and have to account for them not being knocked over by the wind.

Standards:

[ESS.2.1.4] Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to recognize the tools scientists use for observing, recording, and predicting weather changes from day to day and during the season.

Supplies:

• Wooden Dowels

• Plastic Straws

• Paper Cups

• Cardboard

• Pipe Cleaners

• Construction Paper

• Tape

• Glass Stones [3-5 only]

• Electric Desk Fan [Teacher]

• Pinwheels [Teacher]

Additional Materials:

Flyer

Slides

Design Sheets