Toasty Wind

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In this quick activity, learners use a toaster to investigate the source for the Earth's wind. Learners hold a pinwheel above a toaster to discover that rising heat causes wind. Use this activity to introduce learners to the process of convection as a source for wind. This resource also explains how convection causes thunderstorms and lists important thunderstorm safety tips.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Toaster
  • Pinwheel

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Motion and Forces
    • States of Matter
      • Gases
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, National Weather Service,