Lesson Idea | Make an Anemometer to Measure Wind Speed

Summary

Grade Range: 3rd
Group Size: 2-3 students
Active Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Area of Science: Weather & Atmosphere
Key Concepts: Wind, speed, measurements
Credits: Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies

Overview

Help the budding meteorologists in your classroom learn how to measure wind speed by building their own anemometers (wind speed meters) with paper cups and straws. Then do a simple experiment in which students change the "wind" speed using a fan and measure how fast their anemometer spins.

Learning Objectives

Understand what an anemometer is and what it measures
• Understand the relationship between wind speed and how fast an anemometer rotates

NGSS Alignment

This lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
• 3-ESS2-1. Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.

Materials

For the entire class:
• Variable-speed fan
• Single-hole punches to share
• Stopwatch
• Markers

For each group of students:
• 3 oz paper cups (5)
• Straws (2)
• Pushpin
• Sharpened pencil with eraser

For further information about the lesson idea, please visit Science Buddies website.