Art Lesson 3 Windsock Overview Windsock This art lesson also involves a little bit of science. Not only are we going to make our very own windsock, but we are also going to learn a little bit about meteorology, weather forecasting, and the usefulness of windsocks. Let’s have some fun. Science Context What does science say about it? Windsocks are used to tell wind speed and wind direction. Windsocks typically are used at airports to indicate the direction and strength of the wind for pilots, and at chemical plants where there is risk of gaseous leakage. They are sometimes located alongside highways at windy locations. Science Context When was it first used? The earliest use of windsocks has been attributed to the Japanese. Centuries ago, they strung carp-shaped flags known as koinobori on a tall bamboo pole to celebrate what was then called “Boys Day”. This celebration yearly took place on the fifth day of the Chinese Calendar’s fifth moon. Vocabulary Meteorology - the branch of science concerned with the processes and actions of the atmosphere, especially as a means of forecasting the weather. Wind Direction - Wind direction is reported by the direction from which it originates. For example, a northerly wind blows from the north to the south. Wind Speed - Wind speed, or wind flow speed, is a fundamental atmospheric quantity caused by air moving from high to low pressure, usually due to changes in temperature. Materials - Construction paper ( you can use regular white paper and color it) - Colored tissue paper - Colored markers or crayons - Scissors - Tape or Stapler - Glue stick - String or yarn Instructions Step 1: Decorate one side of a piece of construction paper, or plain white paper. Make a fantastic design of stripes or spots, or you could draw animals and spaceships if you like. Use your imagination, but completely color and decorate the entire page. Step 2: Take the completed artwork and roll it lengthwise so that you are creating a tube shape with the sides overlapping about an inch. Have your artwork on the outside. Instructions Step 3: Tape or staple the overlapping ends so as to create a fully connected solid tube. Step 4: Create streamers by cutting your tissue paper into 1 to 2 inch wide strips that are about 15 to 20 inches in length. You will need between 5 to 10 of these strips. It will also be really nice if you have different colors of tissue to use. Instructions Step 5: Tape or use glue sticks to attach the ends of the tissue to the inner edge of the bottom of your tube. Step 6: Use the hole punch to put two holes in the sides of the top of your tube (you can also use a knife or other instrument to make the hole) The holes should be about half an inch from the top and they should also be across from each other. Instructions Step 7: Run 10 to 12 inches of string or yarn through the holes. One end of string through one hole (outside to in) and the other end of the string through the other hole (outside to in) Tie the two ends of string in a knot. Now hold the string from the looped end and you can now run around the room showing off your windsock. Step 8: Attach the windsock with additional string to a nice place on your porch or your favorite tree. In The Real What are other ways we can World experience wind speed and direction in our everyday lives? There are many ways we can tell wind speed and direction by using our senses. We can see with our eyes when the wind is blowing through the trees, and if you look closely you can tell which direction the wind is blowing. We can sometimes hear the howling of the wind when it is real strong. We can also feel the wind as it blows against our skin, and if we pay close attention to how it feels when it touches us, we can tell what direction it is coming from. Accommodations Kinder - 2nd Grade: Really encourage patience when they are decorating their paper. It’s ok to be abstract and random and silly too. Let their imaginations roam. Remember, everyone is an artist. 3rd and up: If they really want to get advanced, they could craft one out of fabric and use fabric tape to do the artwork and assembly. You could use many different household items to craft the top ring. It really could be a lot of fun. Just For Fun! The direction and speed of the wind, plus clouds and other clues, help meteorologists predict the weather. Help your children understand what is learned when watching your windsock blow in the wind. What direction is the wind coming from? Can you tell the difference in the speed of the wind just by looking at the windsock? For 10 days, record the speed and direction of the wind and the weather at the time. Graph it. What did you learn? Share! Have fun with this project! We can’t wait to see your very own windsock! Please send us pictures or tag us on our Facebook and Instagram! @napastemacademy.