Make a Wind Vane
to Measure Wind Direction
From a light breeze on a hot day to a violent hurricane, wind plays an important role in our weather. No matter where it happens, wind is caused by changes in temperature and air pressure.
![white metal wind vane with arrow and north, south, east, west, directions](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/example-of-a-wind-vane/5341972-1-eng-US/example-of-a-wind-vane_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/example-of-a-wind-vane/5341972-1-eng-US/example-of-a-wind-vane_full_990.jpg 700w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/example-of-a-wind-vane/5341972-1-eng-US/example-of-a-wind-vane_full_1468.jpg 700w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/example-of-a-wind-vane/5341972-1-eng-US/example-of-a-wind-vane_full_1980.jpg 700w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/example-of-a-wind-vane/5341972-1-eng-US/example-of-a-wind-vane_full_2475.jpg 700w)
Wind vane
Meteorologists study the strength and the direction of wind. One tool they use for measuring wind direction is a wind vane. It spins and points in the direction from which the wind is blowing.
The wind can blow in every direction, but in many places most winds will blow in the same general direction. Make a tool that you can use to find out what direction the winds usually blow in your area.
The Materials
![listed materials for the activity](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/materials-wind-vane/5350844-1-eng-US/materials-wind-vane_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/materials-wind-vane/5350844-1-eng-US/materials-wind-vane_full_990.jpg 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/materials-wind-vane/5350844-1-eng-US/materials-wind-vane_full_1468.jpg 1000w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/materials-wind-vane/5350844-1-eng-US/materials-wind-vane_full_1980.jpg 1000w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/materials-wind-vane/5350844-1-eng-US/materials-wind-vane_full_2475.jpg 1000w)
- Paper plate
- Marker
- Compass
- Printout of wind vane cutouts (PDF)
- Cardboard or folder
- Straight pin
- Scissors
- Clear tape
- Sharpened pencil with a new eraser
- Plastic drinking straw
- Modeling clay
- Printout of your Weather Chart (PDF)
What To Do
Part 1: Make Your Wind Vane
![1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number01/5300104-1-eng-US/number01_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number01/5300104-1-eng-US/number01_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number01/5300104-1-eng-US/number01_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number01/5300104-1-eng-US/number01_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number01/5300104-1-eng-US/number01_full_2475.png 250w)
Use a marker to draw a line down the middle of your paper plate. Then draw a second line across the middle of the plate, running in the opposite direction.
![using a ruler guide to draw a line across middle of paper plate](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01a/5352343-1-eng-US/wv_step01a_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01a/5352343-1-eng-US/wv_step01a_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01a/5352343-1-eng-US/wv_step01a_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01a/5352343-1-eng-US/wv_step01a_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01a/5352343-1-eng-US/wv_step01a_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![displaying paper plate with perpendicular lines drawn through the middle](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01b/5352367-1-eng-US/wv_step01b_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01b/5352367-1-eng-US/wv_step01b_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01b/5352367-1-eng-US/wv_step01b_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01b/5352367-1-eng-US/wv_step01b_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step01b/5352367-1-eng-US/wv_step01b_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number02/5300108-1-eng-US/number02_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number02/5300108-1-eng-US/number02_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number02/5300108-1-eng-US/number02_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number02/5300108-1-eng-US/number02_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number02/5300108-1-eng-US/number02_full_2475.png 250w)
At the edge of the plate, label the four lines: north (N), south (S), east (E), and west (W). South is opposite of north; east is the the right of north; west is left of north.
![3](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number03/5300112-1-eng-US/number03_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number03/5300112-1-eng-US/number03_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number03/5300112-1-eng-US/number03_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number03/5300112-1-eng-US/number03_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number03/5300112-1-eng-US/number03_full_2475.png 250w)
Cut out the wind vane shapes from the printout. Trace the shapes on your cardboard or folder and cut out the shapes with scissors.
![outlining arrow and tail cutout shapes onto cardstock](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03a/5352371-1-eng-US/wv_step03a_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03a/5352371-1-eng-US/wv_step03a_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03a/5352371-1-eng-US/wv_step03a_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03a/5352371-1-eng-US/wv_step03a_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03a/5352371-1-eng-US/wv_step03a_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![cutting outlines of arrow and tail shapes out of card stock](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03b/5352359-1-eng-US/wv_step03b_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03b/5352359-1-eng-US/wv_step03b_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03b/5352359-1-eng-US/wv_step03b_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03b/5352359-1-eng-US/wv_step03b_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step03b/5352359-1-eng-US/wv_step03b_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number04/5300116-1-eng-US/number04_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number04/5300116-1-eng-US/number04_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number04/5300116-1-eng-US/number04_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number04/5300116-1-eng-US/number04_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number04/5300116-1-eng-US/number04_full_2475.png 250w)
Cut two 1/2-inch slits, directly across from each other, into one end of the straw.
![cutting slits into end of straw](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step04/5352375-1-eng-US/wv_step04_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step04/5352375-1-eng-US/wv_step04_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step04/5352375-1-eng-US/wv_step04_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step04/5352375-1-eng-US/wv_step04_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step04/5352375-1-eng-US/wv_step04_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![5](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number05/5300120-1-eng-US/number05_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number05/5300120-1-eng-US/number05_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number05/5300120-1-eng-US/number05_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number05/5300120-1-eng-US/number05_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number05/5300120-1-eng-US/number05_full_2475.png 250w)
Slide the arrow point into the cut straw.
![6](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number06/5300124-1-eng-US/number06_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number06/5300124-1-eng-US/number06_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number06/5300124-1-eng-US/number06_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number06/5300124-1-eng-US/number06_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number06/5300124-1-eng-US/number06_full_2475.png 250w)
Cut slits on the other end of the straw, making sure the new slits match up with the ones on the other side. It is important that the arrow point and arrow tail are at the same angle.
![inserting arrow cutout into slits on one end of straw and tail cutout into slits on other end of the straw](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step06/5352355-1-eng-US/wv_step06_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step06/5352355-1-eng-US/wv_step06_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step06/5352355-1-eng-US/wv_step06_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step06/5352355-1-eng-US/wv_step06_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step06/5352355-1-eng-US/wv_step06_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![7](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number07/5300128-1-eng-US/number07_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number07/5300128-1-eng-US/number07_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number07/5300128-1-eng-US/number07_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number07/5300128-1-eng-US/number07_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number07/5300128-1-eng-US/number07_full_2475.png 250w)
Slide the arrow tail into the cut.
![8](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number08/5300132-1-eng-US/number08_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number08/5300132-1-eng-US/number08_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number08/5300132-1-eng-US/number08_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number08/5300132-1-eng-US/number08_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number08/5300132-1-eng-US/number08_full_2475.png 250w)
Use small pieces of tape to keep the arrow point and tail in place.
![9](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number09/5300136-1-eng-US/number09_full_495.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number09/5300136-1-eng-US/number09_full_990.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number09/5300136-1-eng-US/number09_full_1468.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number09/5300136-1-eng-US/number09_full_1980.png 250w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number09/5300136-1-eng-US/number09_full_2475.png 250w)
Attach a lump of modeling clay to the center of your paper plate where the two lines meet. This is the base of your wind vane.
![placing lump of model clay in center of paper plate](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step09/5352363-1-eng-US/wv_step09_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step09/5352363-1-eng-US/wv_step09_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step09/5352363-1-eng-US/wv_step09_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step09/5352363-1-eng-US/wv_step09_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step09/5352363-1-eng-US/wv_step09_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![10](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number10/5342366-1-eng-US/number10_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number10/5342366-1-eng-US/number10_full_990.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number10/5342366-1-eng-US/number10_full_1468.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number10/5342366-1-eng-US/number10_full_1980.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number10/5342366-1-eng-US/number10_full_2475.png 556w)
Stick the sharp end of the pencil into the lump of clay so that the pencil stands straight up.
![11](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number11/5342386-1-eng-US/number11_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number11/5342386-1-eng-US/number11_full_990.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number11/5342386-1-eng-US/number11_full_1468.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number11/5342386-1-eng-US/number11_full_1980.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number11/5342386-1-eng-US/number11_full_2475.png 556w)
To attach the straw to the pencil, first hold the straw above the pencil, making sure that the arrow point and tail are flat towards you.
![12](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number12/5342374-1-eng-US/number12_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number12/5342374-1-eng-US/number12_full_990.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number12/5342374-1-eng-US/number12_full_1468.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number12/5342374-1-eng-US/number12_full_1980.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number12/5342374-1-eng-US/number12_full_2475.png 556w)
You may need an adult to help you here. Push a straight pin through the middle of the straw. Then stick it into the middle of the pencil's eraser.
![pinning arrow into eraser top of pencil](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step12/5352351-1-eng-US/wv_step12_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step12/5352351-1-eng-US/wv_step12_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step12/5352351-1-eng-US/wv_step12_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step12/5352351-1-eng-US/wv_step12_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step12/5352351-1-eng-US/wv_step12_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![13](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number13/5342382-1-eng-US/number13_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number13/5342382-1-eng-US/number13_full_990.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number13/5342382-1-eng-US/number13_full_1468.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number13/5342382-1-eng-US/number13_full_1980.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number13/5342382-1-eng-US/number13_full_2475.png 556w)
Blow on the vane to make sure that the arrow can spin freely.
![blowing on wind vane to see if it spins](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step13/5352347-1-eng-US/wv_step13_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step13/5352347-1-eng-US/wv_step13_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step13/5352347-1-eng-US/wv_step13_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step13/5352347-1-eng-US/wv_step13_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step13/5352347-1-eng-US/wv_step13_full_2475.jpg 900w)
Part 2: Measure Wind Direction
![14](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number14/5342378-1-eng-US/number14_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number14/5342378-1-eng-US/number14_full_990.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number14/5342378-1-eng-US/number14_full_1468.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number14/5342378-1-eng-US/number14_full_1980.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number14/5342378-1-eng-US/number14_full_2475.png 556w)
Take your wind vane outside and place it in an open area. Place the compass in the center of your paper plate. Turn your plate so that line labeled N matches up with the compass arrow pointing north. What direction is the wind blowing?
(Remember: The arrow points in the direction the wind is blowing from. So if your wind vane is pointing north, the wind is actually blowing south.)
![girls posing in front of finished home made wind vane](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step14/5352512-1-eng-US/wv_step14_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step14/5352512-1-eng-US/wv_step14_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step14/5352512-1-eng-US/wv_step14_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step14/5352512-1-eng-US/wv_step14_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step14/5352512-1-eng-US/wv_step14_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![compass placed in center of paper plate](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step15/5352379-1-eng-US/wv_step15_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step15/5352379-1-eng-US/wv_step15_full_990.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step15/5352379-1-eng-US/wv_step15_full_1468.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step15/5352379-1-eng-US/wv_step15_full_1980.jpg 900w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/make-your-own-weather-station/wv_step15/5352379-1-eng-US/wv_step15_full_2475.jpg 900w)
![15](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number15/5342370-1-eng-US/number15_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number15/5342370-1-eng-US/number15_full_990.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number15/5342370-1-eng-US/number15_full_1468.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number15/5342370-1-eng-US/number15_full_1980.png 556w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/start-a-rock-collection/number15/5342370-1-eng-US/number15_full_2475.png 556w)
Record the date and results in your Weather Chart.
Image Credits:
Wind vane, by Jordan Ladikos on Unsplash; all other images, courtesy of AMNH.