Wind+Vane

= Make a Wind Vane = = =


 * [[image:http://www.ciese.org/curriculum/weatherproj2/images/windvane.jpg width="290" height="246" align="right" caption="Wind Vane"]] Materials**
 * Tag board or manila file folder
 * Straight pin
 * Scissors
 * Ruler
 * pencil with a new eraser
 * Plastic drinking straw
 * Modeling clay
 * Paper plate
 * Procedure**
 * 1) Cut out an arrow point 5cm long.
 * 2) Cut out an arrow tail 7cm long.
 * 3) Make 1cm slit(cut horizontally) at both the ends of each straw.(to act as a paper clip)
 * 4) Slide the arrow point and the arrow tail into the cuts in the straw.
 * 5) Push a straight pin through the middle of the straw and into the eraser end of the pencil.
 * 6) Stick the sharp end of the pencil into a lump of modeling clay; this will be your base.
 * 7) Mark north, south, east, and west on the paper plate
 * 8) Put the clay on a paper plate.
 * 9) Test out your Wind Vane: Blow on the vane and make sure that the arrow can spin freely.

Describe to the best of your ability how this device actually measures air pressure. Include the following terms in your description: pressure, force, kinetic energy, mechanical energy.
 * How does it work?**

This device is designed to measure the direction of the wind. The wind vane moves in the direction the wind is blowing.The arrow points in the direction from which the wind is coming. The other end points from where the wind is going.

What can you do to improve the functioning of this device? Can you improve the accuracy? Precision? Can you make the device more stable or portable? You may select any materials we have here today or suggest alternative materials. Be clear in your description as to why these modifications will improve this device.
 * Engineering Experience: Ideas for Improving the Design**

The device was tested to be accurate and precise in showing the direction of the wind. The device can be made more stable by using different kinds of materials such metal rods, metal base,decorative arrow made up of light plastic or glass etc.