Make a Wind Sock

This activity will show you how to make a wind sock using materials you have at home or school.  You can then use it to show which direction the wind is blowing in and give you some idea of how strong it is.

Materials

You will need:

• sleeve of a large, old long-sleeved shirt
• wire
• needle and thread
• small rock or weight of some kind
• string or twine

Procedure

Cut one sleeve off an old long-sleeved shirt.

Bend the wire into a circle the same size as the top of the sleeve.

Place the wire into the top end of the sleeve and attach it with a few stitches.  You have now made the mouth of the wind sock.

Place the rock or weight in some cloth on one edge of the wire.  Sew it on tight to hold it in place.

Tie the string onto the wire opposite the rock.

Tie the other end of the string to a branch where it can move freely.  The rock will keep the windsock facing into the wind.

Now your windsock is working, use a compass to find out which direction the wind is blowing from. 

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