How to Make an Anemometer: DIY Science Project Ideas for Kids

An anemometer is a device extensively used to measure the speed and direction of the wind in the atmosphere. To teach how an anemometer works, you can conduct science experiments for kids so that they understand the science behind it. Before that, you can teach kids how to make an anemometer at home. This is a simple experiment to learn about an anemometer in order to enhance their knowledge on the device that helps in measuring the wind speed. 

To make it easier for kids, you can create a cup anemometer so that they understand the concept in a much better way. This is one of the simplest DIY science projects ideas for kids. You do not need to spend money on items or invest a lot of time in making an anemometer. It is highly recommended for kids in kindergarten and elementary school to practice making a device that is used for measuring the speed of the wind. Besides this, it also determines the pressure and direction of the wind. 

An anemometer is basically used in weather stations, airports, agricultural sectors, etc. Most importantly, it is used in ships to track the wind speed. It is extremely useful for meteorologists in studying the pattern of winds. The best example of an anemometer is made from cups that rotate as the wind flows. The stronger the winds, the faster it rotates. The total number of cups rotated can be used for calculating the wind speed.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make an Anemometer

Children must learn the concept behind how an anemometer works. It not only helps in measuring the speed of wind but also determines the pressure and direction of the wind. 

To teach kids how to make an anemometer, you need to conduct an experiment with the materials available at home. 

Aim of the Project 

To make an anemometer using the cups in order to measure wind speed. Observe and record the changes.

Materials Required

• Five disposable cups
• A pencil 
• Two straws 
• A glue 
• A punching machine  
• A table fan

Procedure 

• Take a disposable cup and make four holes opposite each other using a punching machine. 
• Take a straw and pierce through two holes, followed by another straw piercing the other two holes of the cup. 
• Take four disposable cups and paste them on the arms of the four straws using glue. 
• The cups should be placed either in a clockwise direction or anti-clockwise direction. But, make sure that all the four cups are in the same direction. 
• Then, take a pencil and insert it at the center of the cup placed in between the four cups. 
• Keep the cups in front of a table fan and observe the changes.

Result 

It was observed that the rotation of the cup increases when the flow of wind becomes stronger. With this, you can count the number of rotations by an anemometer within a minute or an hour. Besides this, you can also observe the speed at which the cups rotate depending on the flow of wind. 

What is an Anemometer?

An anemometer is a device that is used to measure wind speed and pressure. It is derived from the Greek word ‘anemos’ meaning wind. The first anemometer was invented by Leon Battista Alberti in the year 1450. In the later years, there were many versions and designs of the anemometer. An anemometer measures the wind speed in miles per hour, kilometers per hour and meters per second. There are various types of anemometer such as a sonic anemometer, laser doppler anemometer, plate and tube anemometer, vane anemometer, etc. 

An anemometer is basically used in weather stations, airports, agricultural sectors, etc. Most importantly, it is used in ships to track the wind speed. It is extremely useful for meteorologists in studying the pattern of winds. The best example of an anemometer is made from cups that rotate as the wind flows. The stronger the winds, the faster it rotates. The total number of cups rotated can be used for calculating the wind speed.

Fun Facts about an Anemometer

Some of the interesting facts about an anemometer are mentioned below:

• It is used in meteorology and aerodynamics to measure wind speed. 
• The first anemometer was invented in the year 1450. 
• The most commonly used anemometer to teach how wind rotates is the cup anemometer. 
• The four cup anemometer was invented by Thomas Romney Robinson in 1850.
• An anemometer is also used to measure the gas stream and check the ventilation.
• Ships use an anemometer to track the movement of the wind.
• Recreational activities like surfing, kayaking, paragliding, etc., use the device to measure the wind speed.
• The unit of measurement used to measure the wind speed is the knot. 
• It is widely used to measure wind speed in weather stations. 
• An anemometer is used to measure the wind speed in velocity related experiments. 
• It helps in predicting in which direction the wind is moving. 

Benefits of Learning about How to Make an Anemometer?

Some of the benefits of learning about an anemometer are mentioned below:

• Develops an understanding on how an anemometer works.
• Enables children to perform an experiment in a systematic way. 
• Helps children in creating an instrument with the materials available at home. 
• Provides deep knowledge about an anemometer and its application. 
• Creates an engaging and entertaining learning environment for children while making an anemometer. 
• Helps children in calculating the wind speed using an anemometer effectively. 
• Enables children to understand the importance of using an anemometer in various fields. 
• Enhances scientific knowledge in children and helps in perform better in their academics. 

To know more information, explore science games for kids, STEM activities for kids in the kids learning section at Osmo.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Make an Anemometer?