If you want to undertake a wind speed measurement investigation with your class, this two-page PDF explains how to:

• create an anemometer to measure wind speed
• predict and compare the effect wind will have on the anemometer
• create wind to test the anemometer

It’s the perfect activity for groups of three or four and can be done indoors or outdoors. It’s suitable for KS1-KS3 and touches on science (climate), maths (gathering data) and English (following instructions).

You will need:

• 5 paper cups
• 2 paper straws or wooden doweling
• Pencil
• Drawing pin
• Fan
• Hair dryer

Wind speed measurement activity

Once you’ve made your anemometer, mark one of the cups with a colour so it is different from the others. This will help pupils count how many turns their anemometer makes with different wind speeds.

Question for pupils:

• What do you think will happen when the wind blows?
• Why does the anemometer spin in the wind?
• What do you think might happen when the wind blows more strongly?

Stick the anemometer into the ground and use the the wind outside. Alternatively indoors use a hair dryer, a fan or pupils can create their own wind flapping a tray near to the anemometer.

Pupils record the effect different wind speeds have on the movement of the anemometer.

Find out more about Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium.

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