Weathervanes

This week in science we have been learning about meteorologists and the tools they use to record weather patterns.  After much discussion it was obvious students were familiar with thermometers, wind socks and rain gauges but not weathervanes.  So, I decided an inquiry lesson was needed!  Their task was to 'design a weathervane that accurately shows wind direction'.
First, I explained the rubric that will be used to score their project and then we got started!  They researched weathervane websites, designed and labeled a vane on paper then followed their design to construct it.  Finally, on Friday we tested them!   Well... some vanes worked while others...not so much!  Some vanes showed movement but not direction, while others had direction but no movement!  Students were so engaged!  They talked about changes that needed to be made and even gave each other suggestions.  Now on Monday students will make those changes, then test their vane one final time to see if it  'accurately shows wind direction'.