Q&A for How to Make a Wind Vane

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What does a wind vane measure?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

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Wind vanes measure the direction that the wind comes from (e.g., if the wind is blowing from the north, the pointer will point north, into the wind). You need a different kind of tool, called an anemometer, to measure wind speed.

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What kind of materials do you need to make a wind vane?

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Traditionally, wind vanes are made of metal. However, you can make a simple wind vane with materials such as a pencil or stick, drinking straw, and cardboard.

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Question

How does a wind vane work?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Wind vanes work by catching the wind and spinning around, so that the arrow points to the direction that the wind is blowing. The wider end of the arrow acts a bit like a sail, since the wind pushes it and forces the vane to rotate.

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Question

How could I improve the wind vane and make it turn better?

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Make the the top lighter and the bottom heavier. This will allow it to move more easily.

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Question

The wind vane is awful and rigid. Why is that?

Community Answer

Most weather-vanes are made out of stamped sheet metal -- not something easily done by people without expensive machinery. Make the arrow lighter, and give it more surface area for the wind to grab onto. Add bearings to help it turn more easily.

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Question

What does the wind vane do?

Community Answer

The wind vane will show you the direction of the wind. It will show north, east, south, west, and the directions in between.

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Question

Can I make a tornado?

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Yes, using a water bottle with water of course, glitters and joy, and if you shake it in a rotating way a tornado happens in the bottle.

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Question

How do I make a hole in the center of a wind vain for a dowel?

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Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

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Question

Can I decorate a wind vane? How do I do it?

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Use markers or glitter glue.

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Question

How do I make a wind vane without a pencil?

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You could use a piece a wood instead.

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Question

Can I replace the straw with a chopstick?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. The vane will work as long as the chopstick is lighter than the pencil or rod you use, as well as whatever base you have.

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Question

What can I use instead of chart paper for a wind vane?

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It says in the article to use a cardboard box.or anything else that's a little sturdy. Wood could be another option.

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Question

Can I use barbecue skewer instead of a straw?

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Yes. It is just much harder to push the pin through the skewer than it would be a straw.

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Question

Is there an alternative to a straw?

ths 130028

Community Answer

You could use a rod you can poke a pin through. It doesn't really matter if you use a straw or not. You could even take a cardboard cutout of an arrow.

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Question

Instead of the pin, what else can l use?

ths 130028

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You can use whatever adhesive you have. Here, the pin is used to hold the straw to the stand. You could also use tape or glue.

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Question

How will it move since the pencil is stuck in the clay?

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Since the pencil is tightly fitted with the rubber and straw, it can move freely. It will move with ease.

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Question

I only have a tiny straw. Can that work or what else can I use?

ths 130028

Community Answer

Yes, it will work. In this case, the size of the straw doesn't matter, unless it is really small or too small to experience the wind.

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Question

Will Styrofoam work?

Community Answer

For the arrow and the compass. Is that what you were going to use it for? If you are worried about your cardboard getting wet, then this would be water resistant.

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Question

Can I use cardboard instead of a paper plate?

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Yes. It doesn't really matter for that, as long it is strong. You could also use foam.

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Question

How do I estimate outdoor temperature?

Community Answer

Air temperature is measured with thermometers. If the sun shines on the thermometer, it heats the liquid. Then the reading is higher than the true air temperature. Also, when you take the thermometer outside, give it enough time to adjust to the outdoor air temperature.

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Question

What can I use besides a styrofoam cup?

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A paper cup can also be used, or any other light object that would trap the wind passing.

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