Set up a wind STEAM activity for kids using a small table fan. Have fun observing the strength of the wind as you and the kids conduct this simple experiment together.
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A wind activity for kids is easy to set up with a small table fan and everyday household items or craft supplies. Look for science activities with easy setups like this one when you want include STEAM in your daily schedule (aff. link).
One way to keep things simple is to use recyclables and repurposed items in experiments.
- Cardboard is the main ingredient in this marble run that’s popular with kids.
- Clothespins and craft sticks can be transformed into a simple catapult.
Create wind with a small fan to observe its effect on paper, crayons, feathers and clothespins. Kids can help set up this wind experiment, conduct the experiment, then discuss results with open-ended discussion.
Grab our ideas for learning through play at the end of the post.
Related: Science Activities Digital Resource
Wind experiment with a table fan
What do we know about wind?
We experience the effects of wind – air movement – with our senses:
- the sight of leaves waving on a tree branch
- the touch of warm breeze on our cheeks
- the smell of bread from a bakery
- the sound of an ocean wave as it breaks on the shore
We also experience the stillness when there is little air movement.
Kids experience various degrees of wind in everyday play.
- flying a kite
- watching leaves swirl around the yard
- blowing soap bubbles into the air
They also naturally observe the role of air movement for different activities.
- A kite is heavier than a soap bubble or a leaf.
- Leaves are more difficult to rake into a pile on a windy day.
Wind is a wonderful, and natural, phenomenon to explore. This simple experiment is a fun way to engage kids in experimenting and observing wind.
Supplies for a wind experiment
- construction paper rectangles measuring 3 x 12 inches (7 x 30 cm)
- scissors
- small table fan
Instructions for a wind experiment
1. Tape one end of each paper rectangle to the top of a low table so the paper hangs down loosely.
Objects might include a feather, crayon, clothespin, and cotton swab.
Leave one paper strip empty.
3. Position a small desk fan in front of the paper strips. Turn the fan on, with a setting that sends a gentle breeze over the paper.
Increase or decrease the setting as preferred.
4. Observe the movement of the paper.
Learning through play
- Predict which of the items the wind will easily move.
- Observe which paper strips are too heavy for the wind to move.
- Sort items according to weight.
- Adjust the speed of the fan to serve as an additional variable.
Another way to experiment with wind.
Place a few items on the floor or on a table top to see if the ‘wind’ can move them from one point to another.
With lots of opportunity for trial and error, we can encourage kids to handle materials in their own ways, to experiment, to improvise, to make observations.
Make science fun and accessible with simple experiments for you and the kids to enjoy together. Everyday, accessible materials provide hands-on activities at little cost.
STEAM KIDS (affiliate link)
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