Wind Machine

[15 Minutes]

Known for some of the worst weather in the world, it was on top of Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, that the fastest surface wind speed was ever recorded at 231 miles per hour! You and your child can make a simple wind machine to demonstrate the strength of air.

You'll need:

• small, zip-locking bag • straw • sponge • tape

What to do:

1. If possible, print out thee directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
2. With your child, gather everything you'll need.
3. Give your child the zip-locking bag, straw and sponge and ask if she has any ideas how to use the materials to demonstrate the strength of air.
4. Listen to her ideas, encourage her to try them.
5. Invite your child to set the straw inside the bag perpendicular to its opening so that it looks like a "T".
6. Help her close the zipper on each side of the straw then tape it closed.
7. Ask her to lay the bag flat on the table with the straw facing her.
8. Have her lay a sponge on top of the bag and invite her to blow into the straw.
9. Together, observe what happens.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What types of things happen when the winds blows very strong?
• What types of storms develop with very strong winds?
• How does a gentle wind feel to you?

Useful information:

The sponge will rise with the power of her air.
The air will cause the bag to inflate, thus lifting the sponge into the air demonstrating the strength of her air and the strength of wind.