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Mapping Wind in the Classroom

Provided by: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education |Published on: August 2, 2023

Lesson Plans Grades k-2, 3-5

Synopsis

This fun and hands-on group activity is useful for teaching students about air currents, air movements, and energy efficiency.
This group experiment and activity includes creating an air current map of the classroom and extensions for learning how to create a draft doorstop and a window insulation model to help lower household electricity bills.

Subjects: Science

Authors: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point K-12 Energy Education Program

Region: North America, USA - Midwest, United States, Global, Wisconsin

Languages: English

Positives

This lesson plan is filled with classroom discussions and interactivity.
The materials for this lesson should be easy to find or substitute with other items.
The extension projects connect this topic to energy use and energy waste in buildings.

Prerequisites

Students can write their observations in a notebook or location of your choice for the "Energy Learning Log" mentioned.
You can use small strips of paper on the pencil instead of plastic for the experiment and feathers are not required.
Bubble mix can be made with water and soap and pipe cleaners can be used to make the bubble makers by bending them into loops with a handle.

Differentiation & Implementation

Have students measure the wind from someone speaking, walking by, or blowing air in one direction to see how the results in the classroom differ. Can students create a new wind pattern?
Consider doing this activity outside as well, weather permitting.
This activity could augment a classroom discussion on the connection between wind and certain weather events.
This activity could enhance a classroom discussion on how heating and air conditioning works and why temperature differences cause wind.
This activity could accompany a classroom discussion on wind turbines and how they generate electricity.
This could supplement a classroom discussion about other systems on Earth that impact human activity.
KEEP's Wind Kit can help students learn more about wind through different activities.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format