Wind Test: A Simple STEM Activity

Can You Design Something That Catches the Wind?

We've watched the wind move different objects in the Wind Motion test activity. Now let's take that idea one step further. Instead of simply observing what the wind does, let's design something for the wind to move.

This is an engineering challenge: Can you create a shape that catches enough moving air to move?

What You'll Need

• Paper

• Scissors

• Tape

• String

• A lightweight object such as a paper cup or small paper bag

• A stick, branch, or something you can hang your designs from

You can also use other lightweight materials if you'd like.

The Challenge

Create several different shapes and find out which design catches the most wind. The important part is that you're going to change the design and compare the results.

Try It

1. Create your first design

Cut a piece of paper into a simple shape.

You could make:

• A square

• A rectangle

• A triangle

• A circle

• A folded shape

• A wide, flat shape

There is no need to make them perfect.

2. Attach your design

Tape your paper shape to a lightweight object such as a paper cup or small paper bag.

Tie a piece of string to the object.\

3. Make several designs

Now create two or three more designs. Try making the shapes different in size and surface area.

For example:

Design A: Small square

Design B: Large square

Design C: Long rectangle

Design D: Folded paper

4. Keep the test fair

This is an important part of the experiment. Only change the shape or size of your wind catcher.

Try to use:

• The same length of string

• The same type of paper

• The same lightweight object

• The same testing location

5. Hang your designs

Hang each design in the same area where it can be exposed to the wind. You can hang them from a branch, railing, or another safe location. Make sure they have enough space to move freely.

6. Watch what happens

Which design moves the most? Does it swing? Spin? Lift? Twist?

Does one design barely move while another dances around in the wind? Record what you observe.

The Big Question

Does a larger surface area always mean more movement?

You might think that a bigger piece of paper will automatically catch more wind. But that's what makes this an interesting experiment! The shape, orientation, weight, and amount of surface exposed to the wind can all affect how an object moves.

Try changing just one part of your design and test it again.

Check the Wind Direction

You can add another little investigation to your wind test. Tie several ribbons or strips of fabric to a stick and place it outside.

Watch them move. Which way are they pointing?

Move your wind ribbon to a different location. Does the wind appear to be moving in the same direction?

You can even mark the direction with chalk or draw an arrow in your notebook.

This gives children a simple way to see something that is otherwise invisible, the movement of air.

Make It a Real Experiment

Choose one variable to change.

For example: Does size make a difference?

Make three designs:

• Small

• Medium

• Large

Test them one at a time. Then ask: Which one moved the most?

Next, try keeping the size the same but changing the shape.

This gives your child the opportunity to see that scientists and engineers don't simply build something once and stop. They test, observe, make changes, and test again.

Think About It

Ask:

• Which design caught the most wind?

• Did the largest design move the most?

• Did shape make a difference?

• What happened when the wind became stronger?

• What happened when the wind stopped?

• How could you redesign your best wind catcher?

One More Challenge

Can you design a wind catcher that moves as much as possible?

Or try the opposite: Can you design one that moves as little as possible?

Let your child decide what changes to make. There's no need to tell them what the “best” design is. Let them test it and find out.