Table of Contents Measuring Wind
1. Divide class into groups of three. Each group will have a timer, record keeper, and a holder. The timer will run the stop watch for 1 minute and say “Go” to start the counting and “Stop” to end the counting. The counter will count how many revolutions (spins) by counting the number of times the black marker cup passes by. The holder will hold the anemometer so the wind is unobstructed.
2. Identify four locations to collect wind speed. They can be on or off the water. Students should take three readings at each location. Make sure groups go to different locations, you can show them on a map or chart, suggest protected vs. unprotected areas. Have students identify the locations through a discussion.
3. Before students head out to collect wind speed data, have them make predictions about the locations that will have higher wind speeds compared to those with lower wind speeds. Have them explain why (their reasoning) they made such predictions. Students should average the three readings at each location and record the groups average wind speed at each location on the class data sheet.
4. Once all the groups have compiled and calculated the average wind speed at each location gather the students to draw conclusions about their data. Ask students if their predictions were correct. Have them explore why wind speeds vary between the locations and what may have caused a difference in the readings. Students can analyze the class data on the Class Data Sheet.
Part V: Beaufort Wind Scale Classroom - 45 minutes
1. Introduce students to the Beaufort Wind Scale. Have students read Student Sheet 3 on the Beaufort Wind Scale silently, or read it to them aloud. Explain that this is the first standard on wind speed. Explain that it was developed by sailors.
2. Ask students to name a few standards of measurement - inches, miles, feet, meters, pounds. Ask students why we have standards. Discuss how standards are used to create a common understanding in measurement. Lead students to make the connection the Beaufort Wind Scale was the first standard in measuring wind.
3. Review the description of each force and have student visualize the effects of wind.
4. Have each group of students act as meteorologists and create a weather report for a particular location using the terms from the Beaufort Wind Scale. Once they are finished they can give their weather report to the class. This can be completed by accessing buoy data from NOAA’s
nbdb.org or they can look up weather reports from different cities. They can select a buoy, and record current wind speed data all over the US. Students can collect data using Student Sheet.
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