Where Does the Wind Blow?
The children will investigate through comparing the force of wind in different locations.
Big Idea: Wind strength will vary in different locations.
Materials:
- Wooden sticks (about eight inches long; one for each child)
- Strips of wrapping paper or tissue paper (about 8 inches long and one or two inches wide)
- Masking or scotch tape
- Chart paper, marker
- Ruler
Illinois Learning Standards:
4.A Listen effectively in formal and informal situations.
4.B Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.
7.A Measure and compare quantities using appropriate units, instruments and methods.
11.A Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
11.B Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of technological design.
12.C Know and apply concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and the interactions between them.
12.D Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them.
31.A Develop a positive self-concept.
4.B Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.
7.A Measure and compare quantities using appropriate units, instruments and methods.
11.A Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
11.B Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of technological design.
12.C Know and apply concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and the interactions between them.
12.D Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them.
31.A Develop a positive self-concept.
Vocabulary:
Breeze: a gentle wind
Calm little or no wind at all
Energy: the ability to do work
Gale: a wind of moderate force
Hurricane: a wind of great force
Prediction: a guess about the future
Wind moving air
Calm little or no wind at all
Energy: the ability to do work
Gale: a wind of moderate force
Hurricane: a wind of great force
Prediction: a guess about the future
Wind moving air
Activity Directions:
- To make a wind-o-meter stick: have children wrap the strip of paper (leaving at least 6 inches) at one end of the stick and use a piece of tape to hold in place.
- Make prediction with children. Q. How high do you think the paper strip will move if we blow on it? Record children’s predictions on paper. Have each child blow on their wind-o-meter measuring it against the ruler. Discuss results.
- Make another prediction with children. Q. Do you think the wind can blow your wind-o-meter harder than you did? Q. Do you think there might be different locations that get more or less wind?
- Take the children outside to test their predictions. Go to different areas and sides of the building to test the wind. Test the wind up high and down low. Discuss results.
- Return to classroom and have discussion about ways that wind can be blocked or how objects can impact the strength of the wind.
Investigative Questions:
Q. Does the location of the wind-o-meter make a difference about wind strength?
Q. Was the amount of wind you made by blowing strong enough to make the paper stick straight out?
Q. Would the results be the same with a longer strip of paper?
Exhibit:
Workshop:
