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Welcome to the Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse

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Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse

How to Make a Wind Vane

Lesson Description:
MakeAWindvaneIcon Students will be able to:
  • Identify and describe air as a mixture of invisible gases that surrounds us.
  • Describe wind as air that is in motion.
  • Identify wind as a renewable energy source that can be used to generate electricity.

Lesson Type:
  • Discussion
  • Project

Sustainability Topic:
  • Energy

GEF Program Category:
  • Green Energy Challenge

Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Standards Addressed:
  • Science standard 10: understand force and motion.
    • Benchmark # 1: know the effects of forces (e.g., wind) in nature.
  • Science standard 12: understand the nature of scientific inquiry.
    • Benchmark # 1: know learning can come from careful observation and simple experiments.
    • Benchmark # 2: know that tools (e.g., wind vanes) can be used to gather information and extend the senses.
  • Geography standard 16: understand the changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution and importance of resources.
    • Benchmark # 1: know the role that resources play in our daily lives (wind used to generate electricity).

Materials Needed:
  • 1 Straw
  • 1 Straight pin
  • Index card
  • Pencil with eraser
  • Tape
  • "How To Make A Wind Vane" Directions worksheet

School or Group:
Green Education Foundation (GEF)
Contact Email:
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
Lesson Documents:
application/pdf HowtoMakea_WindVane.pdf
Located in: Science

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Center for Green Schools