For School Groups

Meets Connecticut Science Standards

  • K.1 Objects have properties that can be observed and used to describe similarities and differences.
  • K.3 Weather conditions vary daily and seasonally.

For Families


Construct a traditional tool for understanding where weather comes from...a weather vane. Use it to understand the modern weather map made current in real time on WTNH, Channel 8's website and forecasts. The project includes a map, an excellent compass and lessons in the geography of the winds.

Parts

Step 1
Spread a thin layer of glue on the base board, then smooth the map evenly in place. Put your base peg in the center and your compass in its hole.

Step 2
Slide your pole over the peg and hammer your nail into the pole.

Step 3
Place your spring and washer over the nail. This is the platform your vane will rotate on.

Step 4
Slide the long rods into the ends of two wooden blocks. Slide those blocks through your central pole's holes, and attach the opposite wood blocks.

Step 5
Build your vane by sliding your long thin rods through the bottom of the vane structure's first two holes. Skip the third for now and slide the short thin rod through the top of the fourth hole. Slide the sail over the long rods, and hold everything in place with four rubber o-rings.

Step 6
The nail on top of your stand goes through the vane's sail so that the head of the nail comes through the third (and only un-used) hole.

Step 7
Pipe cleaners form the arms, and your little man goes on the short rod. Hello little man!

Step Done
Decorate it!