What is wind?
Wind is air in motion. Wind is produced by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun. As the sun warms the Earth’s surface the atmosphere warms too. Some parts of the Earth receive direct rays of sun and others do not. This creates a difference in air pressure. Warm air weighs less than cold air and rises; cold air moves in and replaces the warm air. This movement of cold and warm air, or the change in air pressure, creates wind. Wind is affected by local and global conditions.
Design a Wind Experiment
As a class design an experiment to study or test some aspect of the wind. Let the students design and lead the study. Be a guide and resource for the students as they discuss, design and carry out their experiment. Some ideas: wind energy, wind speed, air pressure, how wind shapes the land, benefits of wind, wind damage.
Once students have designed and/or carried out their experiment, have them create a multimedia presentation of their findings.
Check out this great activity that can extend your study on Wind!
- Flip the Switch for Wildlife