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MAKE YOUR OWN WIND VANE
By: Jill Dubowski and Amy Dimos

Grade level
third

Materials
K'Nex building materials, thin paper, thick paper, felt, cotton, tape, scissors

Objectives     Students will be able to design a wind vane using K'Nex as a base and choose most appropriate material.
    Students will be able to differentiate between North, South, East, and West.
    Students will be able to record and analyze wind direction.

Procedure     1.)    The teacher will begin by showing the class pictures of various weather vanes. The teacher will explain that the wind    vane is used to detect the direction of the wind.
    2.)    The teacher will present the base of the wind vane. (see picture above) The teacher will explain that this is only the base of the vane. The teacher will now put various types of material on the vane to give examples of the different materials that can be used to cover the rotating part.
    3.)    The teacher will now explain what the students are to do in order to complete the project.
        A.    The students will get into groups of two or three.
        B.    The students will now construct the base of the wind vane using K'Nex building materials.
        C.    The students will now decide on the material they will use on their wind vane and attach to the rotating part.
    4.)    The teacher will now explain that they are going to take their wind vanes outside to monitor the direction of the wind. The student are to monitor the wind at the same time and place for a two week period. (Make sure the students are away from a building because the building may cause alterations in the wind direction). Also, make sure to review which way is North, South, East, and West.
    5.)    The students are to record their findings in the following manner on a sheet of paper:
                    Date:
                    Time:
                    Direction of wind:
                    (and any other information you feel relevant):
    6.)    At end of observation hold class discussion on findings of wind directions.
                    What was the prevalent wind direction in your area?
                    Would you infer that it changes during different seasons of the year?