How to Make a Weathervane

A weathervane is used to indicate which direction the wind is blowing. It is one of the oldest tools for forecasting weather patterns. There are many ways to make a weathervane with materials you probably already have on hand. Use this simple method to make a lightweight weathervane of your own to monitor the wind in your area.

Step 1

Turn over a paper plate. Punch a hole in the center of the plate using scissors. Write "N" for north on the top edge of the plate, "S" for south on the bottom edge, "W" for west on the left edge and "E" for east on the right edge using the marker.

Step 2

Place a small amount of Play Dough in the center of the second plate. Surround the Play Dough with several small rocks. Put the first plate upside down on top of the second plate and use tape to secure the edges.

Step 3

Push the pencil through the hole in the second plate, making sure it is held securely by the Play Dough and is not tilting. The eraser end should be protruding and the unsharpened pencil end sticking into the plate.

Step 4

Draw an arrow and tail shape (like the one in the diagram) on a piece of construction paper and cut it out using scissors. Cut a slit on each end of the drinking straw. Push the arrow shape onto one end and the tail shape onto the other. Secure with tape.

Weathervane Arrow and Tail Template
Weathervane Arrow and Tail Template

Step 5

Stick the straight pin through the straw in the middle. Stick the other end of the straight pin through the pencil eraser. Make sure the straw is able to move freely while attached to the pencil. Now you have a weathervane.

Step 6

Use the weathervane. Find where north is with a compass. Place the weathervane in a high place with your marked directions lined up with the actual directions.

Skill: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 2 heavy paper plates

  • Marker

  • Ruler

  • Scissors

  • Play Dough

  • Small rocks

  • Tape

  • Unsharpened pencil

  • Construction paper

  • Straight drinking straw

  • Straight pin

  • Compass

Tip: To secure the rocks, place them slightly in the Play Dough so the stickiness will hold them in place. This will help your weathervane stay together without losing any anchor rocks.
Use a ruler to draw straight lines when drawing the arrow and tail, or print and cut out the image in the diagram instead. Light cardboard can be used instead of construction paper for a sturdier weathervane.

Keyword: build weathervane weather vane

Written by Cindy Ausbrooks -
You are here: Essortment Home >> How to Make a Weathervane

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms at the following URL: http://www.pagewise.com/disclaimer.htm. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. We are only publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you.

FAQs: This site is published by PageWise, Inc. Would you like to link to this page? Reprint this article on your website? Reprint this article on paper? Want to reference this article in a paper, report, or presentation? Is there an error in this page? Do you have a follow-up question about this topic? Want to read our Privacy Policy? Read our legal/medical disclaimer?