2 DIY experiments that will help them explore the science of wind
As most of us know, wind by definition is the moving air near the surface of the earth. In other words, the air that surrounds us and is in motion is called wind. Wind has the power to affect the weather phenomena such as the rain, snow and even dust. In fact, for ages, wind has had the power to do a lot more, from propelling the boats of sailors to powering the present-day windmills.
Here are two DIY STEM experiments, that will help them figure out the invisible power and mechanics behind wind.
Hot water balloon experiment
This wind science experiment is a perfect way to teach teenagers about the behaviours of hot and cold wind, that is, how hot air expands and cold air contracts.
What you will need
- Balloon
- Empty plastic bottle
- Bowl of hot water
- Bowl of chilled water
How to
- Firstly, ask your child to put the balloon on the mouth of the empty bottle.
- Next, ask them to place the bottle in the hot water bowl. Here, one can observe that the heat is transferred from the bowl to the bottle. This makes the wind inside warm up and rise, thus inflating the balloon.
- Now, ask them to place the same bottle from the hot water bowl to the cold water bowl. Here, one can observe that the cold air will spread and deflate the balloon.
DIY pinwheel
Children often love to play with pinwheels, and what better activity can there be other than making their own pinwheels for fun, all the while taking a keen interest in the power of wind.
What you’ll need
- Pushpins
- Straws
- A scale
- Sketch pens
- A pair of scissors
- A glue-stick
- A4 size pastel sheet
How-to
- Ask your kid to take the pastel sheet and use the scale to draw a perfect square and ask them to draw diagonals joining the opposite corners of the square.
- Next, help your kid to use the scissors and cut out the square. The key here is to cut along the diagonals till halfway, almost near the centre of the square, where the diagonal lines intersect.
- Next, advise him to take the alternate corners and paste them using the glue to the centre of the square.
- Now comes the most fun part. Ask your kid to use the sketch pens and make colourful patterns on the folds.
- Once the centres are folded as mentioned above and it looks like a pinwheel, ask your child to insert the pushpin at the centre. The key here is to ensure that it is able to hold all the four folds in place and together.
- Finally, ask him to attach the pinwheel to the straw. Once it is ready, take it outside and let wind do all the trick.