The Force
Of the Wind

Subjects

Science
--Physical Science
----Earth Science

Grade

K-2
3-5
6-8

Brief Description

Students create a Beaufort Wind Scale and use it to determine wind force.

Objectives

Students will

• create a Beaufort Wind Scale;
• use the wind scale to determine wind force for a period of several days;
• record their observations;
• consider how wind force might affect their lives.

Keywords

wind, weather, Beaufort Wind Scale

Materials Needed

• Internet access
• access to Measuring Wind Speed and The Beaufort Wind Scale
• a printer
• scissors, pencils, crayons, brad paper fastener

Lesson Plan

Invite students to go to Measuring Wind Speed at http://www.frostscience.org/hurricane/windscale.html, and follow the Miami Museum of Science directions for creating a wind scale. (Younger students might need some help with their wind scales.) When the wind scales are done, take students outside to an area near the schools flag, and then use the wind scale, the flag, and other indicators to determine how hard the wind is blowing. Record the winds force on a classroom calendar. Continue to measure and record daily wind force for a period of several days. At the end of that time, compare the recorded wind speed readings with the information on The Beaufort Wind Scale. Ask: Which day would have been best for flying a kite? For sailing on a lake? For raking leaves? On which day would you have been most likely to get seasick? To see smoke rising from a chimney? To hit a home run?

Extension Activity: Encourage students to write a poem about the wind.

Assessment

Assess students based on their participation in the activity and their understanding of the concepts involved.

Lesson Plan Source

EducationWorld.com

Submitted By

Linda Starr

National Standards

SCIENCE
GRADES K - 4
NS.K-4.1 Science as Inquiry
NS.K-4.2 Physical Science
GRADES 5 - 8
NS.5-8.1 Science as Inquiry
NS.5-8.2 Physical Science

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