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Build a Wind Vane

A wind vane is a light arrow that spins on a pin so it can turn freely. Its wide tail catches the wind, and its pointed tip shows the direction the wind is coming from.

In the picture

  1. The arrow’s pointed tip: it swings to show the direction the wind is coming from.
  2. The wide flat tail: it catches the wind and pushes the arrow around.
  3. The pin at the top: it lets the arrow turn freely.
  4. The vertical rod: it holds the arrow up above the post.

Examples

  • A windsock at an airport turns to show which way the wind blows.
  • A weather vane on a barn roof points into the wind.

Quiz: Build a Wind Vane (Age 8)

  1. What does the pointed tip of a wind vane show?

    • The direction the wind is coming from
    • How warm the air is
    • How fast the wind is blowing
  2. Why does a wind vane have a wide flat tail?

    • It catches the wind and pushes the arrow around
    • It catches rain so the arrow stays dry
    • It makes the arrow too heavy to turn
  3. What lets the arrow on a wind vane turn freely?

    • A heavy stone at the bottom
    • A pin at the top
    • A long piece of string

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.

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Crafts, Age 8