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How to Make an Inexpensive Paper Windmill

Windmills use wind energy to turn a wheel made with blades. They have been in existence for thousands of years. Their primary role was to grind food, such as grain and cocoa. They were also used to grind items such as lime, and to pump water. Today, most windmills are used to generate electricity that can help power buildings and homes. To make an inexpensive paper windmill, use heavyweight construction paper. The paper must be cut and folded. The device can be used outdoors when there is a breeze. It can also be blown on, or placed in front of a fan.

Things You'll Need

Heavyweight construction paper
Pencil
Ruler
Straw or craft stick
Scissors
Stapler or paper fastener
Glue
Clay

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a 5-by-5 inch square on a sheet of construction paper. Use the scissors to remove the square.
- 2
  Draw a diagonal line from the middle of the upper left hand corner to the middle of the bottom of the lower right hand corner. Use the ruler to make sure the lines are straight. Draw a similar line from the upper right corner to the bottom left corner.
- 3
  Cut along the line in the upper left hand diagonal, until it is about two-thirds from the middle. Repeat the procedure for the other diagonal lines.
- 4
  Bend the upper left tip towards the middle, and hold it with your fingers. Add the tip at the bottom of the upper right cut, and the tip at the bottom of the lower left cut. Finally, add the upper tip of the bottom left cut.
- 5
  Staple the middle pieces together, or attach them with a paper fastener. The shape should resemble a wheel with vanes.
- 6
  Glue a straw or craft stick to the back of paper. Hold the new windmill in your hand to operate it, or mount it on a base made from clay.

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