How to Make Wind Vane Weather Instruments

Draw two perpendicular lines on the bottom of one paper plate. Write the letters "N," "S," E" and "W" at the ends of each line, similar to the face of a compass. "N," indicating north, should be written on the same line as "S," indicating south. The same should be done for east's "E" and west's "W."

Punch a hole in the center of the lined and directionally-marked paper plate. The hole should be roughly the width of a standard pen or pencil.

Fill your other paper plate with weighted material, like stones or clay. Place a small mound of molding clay in the center of this paper plate. Place the other paper plate on top of the weighted plate and attach the plates with staples, glue or tape. The two plates should have the look of a flying saucer. The bottom of the plate with drawn letters and lines should face upward.

Stick a pencil through the previously punched hole and into the molding clay. Tape a piece of ribbon or yarn to the the pencil.

Attach a plastic straw to the top of your pencil's eraser, using a push pin. Place your straw and pin over the center of your pencil, with equal lengths of straw on both sides of the pencil.

Cut out triangles from construction paper or cardboard and attach them to each end of your straw with glue or tape. Place your wind vane outdoors, in an open area, with the written "N" pointing north. The triangles and straw, in conjunction with the yarn, will show the direction of the wind.