Simulate wind
Build a simple wind simulator using a fan, straws, and paper sails to test how different shapes and objects move in airflow safely.
Step-by-step guide to build a simple wind simulator
Where does Wind come from? + more videos | #aumsum #kids #science #education #children
Step 1
Place the fan on a stable table or the floor facing a clear open area.
Step 2
Use tape to mark a starting line on the floor or table about 30 centimeters from the front of the fan.
Step 3
Cut three paper sails in different shapes: one rectangle one triangle and one circle.
Step 4
Tape a straw to the center of each paper sail to act as a mast.
Step 5
Gather two small lightweight objects such as a cotton ball and a feather and set them near the starting line.
Step 6
Ask an adult to turn the fan on to a low steady speed.
Step 7
Place the rectangle sail on the starting line and watch how it moves in the airflow.
Step 8
Place the triangle sail on the starting line and watch how it moves in the airflow.
Step 9
Place the circle sail on the starting line and watch how it moves in the airflow.
Step 10
Place the cotton ball on the starting line and watch how it moves in the airflow.
Step 11
Place the feather on the starting line and watch how it moves in the airflow.
Step 12
Move the starting line 15 centimeters farther from the fan using tape.
Step 13
Place one sail at the new starting line and watch the difference in how it moves.
Step 14
Share your finished wind simulator and what you observed on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have straws, a feather, or a fan?
If you don't have straws, tape a wooden skewer or pencil as a mast, substitute a small tissue or pom-pom for the feather or cotton ball, and use a hair dryer on low with adult supervision in place of the fan.
What should I do if a sail doesn't move or keeps tipping over during the test?
If a sail doesn't move or flips, make sure the fan is on a low steady speed, re-center and secure the straw with a small piece of tape so the mast is balanced on the paper sail, and try moving the starting line closer to 30 cm if the airflow feels too weak.
How can I adapt this wind simulation for different ages?
For preschoolers have an adult pre-cut the rectangle, triangle, and circle sails and place the cotton ball and feather at the starting line for them to observe, while older kids can measure distances, time each sail's movement, vary fan speed, and write observations to post on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the activity after trying the basic steps?
To extend the activity, decorate and add small weights to sails, test each shape at the original 30 cm and the moved 45 cm starting lines at different fan speeds, record which shape and mast placement travels fastest, and share the results on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to build a simple wind simulator
When does wind occur? | What makes wind? | How is wind formed? | Wind Facts for Kids | Weather Facts
4 Videos
When does wind occur? | What makes wind? | How is wind formed? | Wind Facts for Kids | Weather Facts
Air and Wind for Kids: Learn About How Wind and Air Affect Weather | Harmony Square Science
Where Does Wind Come From? | The Science of Flying | SciShow Kids
💨 Weather Science for Kids: Betty Breeze Explains Children How Wind is Formed 🌪️
Facts about airflow and aerodynamics for kids
🌀 Aerodynamics studies how air flows around things—streamlined shapes reduce drag and glide through air more smoothly.
🪁 Sails can act like airplane wings: a curved sail creates different air pressures that help push or lift a boat.
🍃 Small adjustments matter—a tiny tilt or bend in a sail or fin can change how an object moves a lot in airflow.
🌬️ Wind tunnels are like man-made gusts—engineers use them to test models, and some wind tunnels can reach supersonic (faster-than-sound) speeds!
🧪 You can make a safe mini 'wind tunnel' with a fan, cardboard, and paper models—real engineers start with simple prototypes too!
How do you build and use a simple wind simulator with a fan, straws, and paper sails?
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