A simple STEM activity for kids is easy to set up with a small table fan. Have fun observing the strength of the wind as you and the kids conduct this fun experiment together. 

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We love science activities that are easy to set up using simple household materials.

• Cardboard is the main ingredient in this marble run that will be a hit with kids.

• Clothespins and craft sticks can be transformed into a simple catapult.

In this activity, wind is created with a small fan to determine how much weight the wind can move.

Wind experiment with a table fan

We experience the effects of air movement with all our senses: we feel a warm breeze on our cheeks; we smell bread from a bakery nearby; we hear an ocean wave pounding; we see branches bending. We also experience the stillness when there is little air movement.

Kids experience various degrees of wind in everyday play.

• Wind lifts a kite off the ground
• Wind swirls a pile of leaves around the yard.
• Wind carries soap bubbles into the air.

Kids naturally observe the role of air movement in these 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.

This experiment explores the strength of the wind with the use of a small fan. The activity requires construction paper and everyday household or craft items such as crayons, feathers and clothespins.

Kids can help set up the experiment, cutting out paper rectangles and attaching the weights.

After setting up the experiment, extend the fun and learning by predicting outcomes.

Can you guess which items will be swept away by the wind?

Supplies for wind experiment

• construction paper

• tape

• scissors

• small table fan

Cut construction paper into rectangles measuring 3 x 12 inches (7 x 30 cm).

Instructions for wind experiment

1. Tape one end of each paper rectangle to the top of a low table so the paper hangs down as shown in the photo.

2. Attach various objects to the ends of the paper strips with tape. These serve as weights (variables). 

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. The breeze from the fan should blow gently over the paper.

4. Observe the movement of the paper.

Learning through play

Here are a few ways to explore and observe with a wind experiment.

• 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.

• 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.

• Adjust the speed of the fan to serve as an additional variable.

Make science fun and accessible with simple experiments for you and the kids to enjoy together.

 Exciting experiments on our STEM to STEAM Pinterest board!

Catapult

from STEAM Kids

STEAM = Science+Technology+Engineering+Art+Math 

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