For instance, you might use a manila folder, index cards, poster board, cardstock paper, or an old cereal box. Use colorful paper or decorate your cutout to make your wind vane look nice. It’s okay if your measurements are estimated. You’ll use this triangle as an arrow point.
Try cutting out the corner of your paper so 2 sides of your square are already done for you. Use your ruler to measure 7 cm (2. 8 in) on 1 side of your paper and draw a line. Then, measure 7 cm (2. 8 in) on the bottom of your paper and draw a line that crosses your first line to create a square. Use your scissors to cut out the square.
The slit should go through both of the side walls on each end of the straw. If you have a drinking straw that bends, cut off the bendy part. Then, cut slits in the remaining straight section.
If the triangle and square won’t stay in place, put a dab of glue onto the paper before you slide it into the straw. Hold the paper in place for about 1-2 minutes to let the glue dry. Alternatively, you can tape the triangle and square in place.
Be careful when handling the stick pin because it could poke you. If you’re having trouble getting the pin to go into the eraser, ask an adult to help you. Make sure the straw doesn’t touch the eraser. The straw needs to spin freely in order for your wind vane to work. If the straw won’t spin when you blow on the paper square or if it falls over, remove the pin and reposition it. Try sticking the pin closer to the center of the straw. If this doesn’t help, trim the paper on the side of the arrow that’s falling over. For instance, you might make the square smaller.
If your pencil keeps falling over, make your clay ball bigger.
Use abbreviations to mark the directions so that they’re easier to fit on the plate.
If you like, you can add more clay around the base of the ball to help keep it in place.
Remember, if you move the container, you’ll need to use a compass again so you can line the North side of the wind vane in the right direction.
Use colorful or painted cardboard if you want your wind vane to look nice.
Any medium, large, or extra large can will work for this project. However, a coffee or soup can will be easiest to use because they’re big enough and are open at the top.
Be careful as you do this because it’s easy to slip and cut yourself. It’s best to ask an adult to help you make the hole.
To make things easier, abbreviate the directions by using their initials.
The clay will act like a weight that holds the pencil upright while you’re using your wind vane.
You can use any heavy items to weigh down the can. For instance, marble or coins would also work.
If you want, you can push the clay ball down into the sand or gravel to make it extra sturdy.
Make sure the pen cap feels secure on the arrow. Your arrow should spin freely, so don’t put any tape or glue onto the pen cap when you put it onto your pencil.
If you move around while using your wind vane, don’t forget to use your compass to make sure your wind vane is position correctly.
