This simple wind vane model shows how we can measure wind direction using basic materials.
When air flows, the tail of the arrow catches the wind and turns the arrow to point in the direction from where the wind blows.
The plastic ball and pen refill act as a bearing for free rotation. This model demonstrates principles of aerodynamics, rotation, and meteorology.
Materials Required:
- 1 Plastic ball (tennis/thermocol/plastic cricket ball)
- 1 Old pen (body only – for rotation stand)
- 1 Pen refill (as central rotating rod)
- 4 Paper cups (for base or compass directions)
- Thick paper/cardboard for making arrow
- Plastic straw or ice cream stick
- Compass or printed direction labels (N, E, S, W)
- Glue, scissors, marker pens, tape, paper pin/thumb tack
- Small base (thermocol/cap/cardboard)
How to Make It – Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Make the Base
- Use a cardboard piece or thermocol sheet as the base.
- Fix 4 paper cups upside down in a cross shape at equal distances to indicate North, South, East, West.
- Label the directions (N, E, S, W) clearly with marker or paper labels.
Step 2: Prepare the Rotating Rod
- Insert a pen refill (cut to about 4–5 inches) into the center of a plastic ball so it stands vertically.
- The ball acts like a bearing or support to allow free rotation.
- Now insert this refill into an old pen body that’s fixed vertically on the base.
- This makes the arrow shaft rotate freely.
Step 3: Make the Arrow
- Cut a long arrow shape from thick paper or cardboard.
- Fix the arrow on top of the refill using glue or tape.
- Ensure it is balanced, but one side (the pointer) should be lighter than the tail.
- For the tail, you can use a small paper rectangle or a triangle.
Step 4: Assemble and Test
- Ensure the refill spins freely inside the pen barrel.
- Blow air using a fan or by mouth to test wind direction.
- The arrow should rotate and point in the direction the wind is coming from.