STEM Activity Turns Grade 2 Students into Weather Analysts

Second-grade students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of meteorology by creating their very own anemometers in a hands-on STEM activity. Wind speed is calculated using the device known as an anemometer.

In class with Lower School science teacher Emily Davies, the students have been learning about wind, its different patterns, and how to calculate its speed and other measurements. The students watched a quick video about wind patterns on mountains and how the patterns change depending on the current season. For example, winds are generally faster in the winter than in the summer.

For the project, the students worked at their tables building their own anemometers. Using plastic straws, they were instructed to create an X shape and wrap tape around the center to secure the straws together. Once the straws were secure, a small 5 ounce water cup was taped to the bottom side of the straw with all cups facing the same direction. The final step was to attach the cup and straw pieces to a pencil using a pushpin. Some of the students did add an extra water cup to the bottom of the pencil for extra security.

Once the students were done constructing their anemometers, Mrs. Davies called everyone to gather outside to test their projects. While the wind speeds were not extremely high that day, a few of the anemometers did successfully spin and the students were thrilled.

“The students learned how to measure wind speed while having fun with a hands-on project that combines creativity and scientific inquiry,” said Mrs. Davies.