top of page

Create a Homemade Anemometer

Prep Time:

1 hour

Cook Time:

  • Hot Glue Gun: Use the hot glue gun only with adult supervision and follow safety guidelines to prevent burns.

  • Pins: Handle pins carefully to avoid injuries.

Serves:

12-14 years

Level:

The purpose of this experiment is to create a simple anemometer to measure wind speed and understand the principles behind wind measurement. This hands-on activity provides insights into how meteorologists use anemometers to study and predict weather conditions.

About the Recipe

  • Understand how anemometers measure wind speed.

  • Learn about the importance of wind measurement in meteorology.

  • Develop skills in building and using simple scientific instruments.

Ingredients

Preparation

  • Prepare the Cups:

    • Use a ruler to mark three evenly spaced points around the edge of each paper cup.

    • Puncture small holes at the marks using the pins to create attachment points for the straws.

  • Assemble the Anemometer:

    • Attach each paper cup to the straw by inserting the pins through the holes you made. Ensure the cups are evenly spaced around the straw.

    • Use hot glue to secure the straw vertically onto a stable base (e.g., a piece of cardboard or a wooden block). Allow the glue to dry completely.

  • Align the Anemometer:

    • Use a compass to align the base so that the cups face into the wind direction. This will ensure accurate measurements.

  • Measure Wind Speed:

    • Place the anemometer outdoors where it can catch the wind. Observe the rotations of the cups and count how many times they complete a full turn in one minute.

  • Record and Analyze:

    • Record the number of rotations per minute. This data can be used to estimate wind speed, using a reference table if available.

  • Discuss:

    • Explain how anemometers measure wind speed by counting rotations and discuss their importance in meteorology for weather forecasting and climate studies.

bottom of page