When the Wind Blows

Wind socks, also know as wind sleeves or wind cones, help us see in what direction the wind is blowing. Real wind socks are often used by meteorologists to help predict weather. Wind socks are also used by air traffic controllers to help determine wind direction.

Invite your child to draw weather-related pictures on a large sheet of construction paper. Roll the sheet of paper into a tube and fasten the rolled-edges together with tape or staples. Ask your child to then choose a top and bottom of her wind sock. Punch two holes, each one a couple of inches from the top on opposite sides of the wind sock. Thread yarn through the holes and tie the ends together to make a hanger. On the bottom, punch holes at one- or two-inch intervals around the circumference of the wind sock (about one inch from the edge). Thread lengths of yarn into each hole and tie off the ends—these will be the streamers. Find the perfect place to hang your wind sock and be sure to watch its movements in the wind.