Cutesy Crafts: Windsock

What is a Windsock?

A windsock is a tool used to determine the direction as well as the strength of wind. It looks like a giant sock – which is where the name originated. Windsocks are commonly found at airports, especially on the runway to indicate the wind direction and velocity where this information can have a direct impact on a pilot’s decision. Chemical plants also use windsocks to help reduce the risk of exposure of dangerous toxins to the environment.

Interesting Windsock Facts

  • A windsock signals the direction of the wind. If the windsock is pointing north, then the direction of the wind is south. Wind direction is the opposite of the direction the windsock is pointed.
  • Wind speed is determined by the angle of the windsock to its mounting pole as the wind blows through it. The higher the windsock is in the air the higher the wind speed. The lower the windsock is in the air the lower the wind speed.
  • The FAA has set standards for using a windsock to determine wind speed. According to the FAA, the windsock will be fully extended in a 17 mile per hour wind. The FAA also states that the wind must be blowing at 3.5 miles per hour in order to properly determine wind direction.
  • Many windsocks at airports are lighted to allow for proper viewing at night. This can be done with flood lights or by ensuring the light shines inside the windsock to light it up.
  • Most wind socks today are made of nylon which is very lightweight and respond quickly and easily to even slight winds. Nylon has other benefits as well including the fact that it does not crack or peel like many other materials would in the same conditions. Nylon is also resistant to mildew.
  • Windsocks are often seen along highways to alert the drivers of high vehicles of wind direction and speed which should alter the driver’s speed and way they handle the vehicle for safety.
  • One of the benefits of a windsock is that it provides real time information about wind speed and direction just by observing it in action.

 

 

Make a Patriotic Windsock

Materials

Red, White, and blue tagboard or construction paper 9”x16”

Glue

Stapler

Scissors

Tape

Sliver glitter

Yarn, string, or pieces of material cut into long pieces (as streamers)

 

Directions

  1. Decorate the paper with glitter or you can draw on it
  2. Form paper into a cylinder
  3. Glue shorter side closed. Staple it to make sure it does not come undone
  4. Attach the streamers to the end
  5. Cut three 12in. lengths of string. Tape them to the top of the blue cylinder about 6in. apart