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How to Create a Weather Vane

Weather vanes -- also called wind vanes -- are considered one of the simplest and oldest weather instruments. The devices are used to determine wind direction.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • Aluminum baking tray
  • Utility knife
  • Balsa wood, 1-inch wide-by-15 inches thick
  • Glue
  • 3-inch nail
  • Hammer
  • Washer
  • Broom handle
  • 5-inch nail
  • Compass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two equilateral triangles -- with 4-inch sides -- from a disposable-aluminum baking tray. Cut two "N" shapes from the aluminum tray, roughly 4-by-4 inches in size.

    • 2

      Cut a 2-inch-long slit in the middle of each end of a 15-inch long piece of 1-by-1-inch balsa wood. Use a utility knife to make the cuts.

    • 3

      Squeeze a little glue into the slits in the end of the balsa wood. Insert one of the aluminum triangles base-first into a slit. Insert the other aluminum triangle tip-first. Let the glue dry.

    • 4

      Hammer a 3-inch nail through the center of the balsa wood. Place a washer over the end of the nail, and then hammer the nail about halfway into the top of a broom handle. The balsa wood with the aluminum triangles must spin freely around the nail.

    • 5

      Hammer a 5-inch nail into the side of the broom handle. Insert the nail 6 inches from the top, penetrating the handle to a depth of 1 inch. Glue the "N" shaped pieces of aluminum together around the nail.

    • 6

      Take the weather vane to a high location; use a compass to determine north. Point the "N" on the broomstick in this direction. The balsa wood rotates around the nail to determine wind direction.


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