Wild Wind! Making Weather Vanes to Find Prevailing Winds
Students learn the difference between global, prevailing, and local winds. They make wind vanes out of paper, straws, and soda bottles and use them to measure wind direction over time. They analyze their data to draw conclusions about the local prevailing winds.
How strong is the wind?Copyright Wikimedia Commons http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Blowing_in_the_wind_-_geograph.org.uk_-_711606.jpg
Understanding the patterns and behavior of global and localized winds enables engineers to design technologies that protect us from wind and exploit the energy of wind. Engineers design roofs, bridges, shelters, and airplanes that endure heavy winds. They design advanced weather prediction models and storm warning systems. They invent wind turbines that generate electricity from wind energy, and determine the best locations to site wind farms.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Create a wind vane to measure wind direction.
- Gather and organize data about wind direction.
- Explain how engineers design technology to monitor, measure, and take advantage of wind energy.