Wind experiments can help students understand the dynamics of wind with just a few household items. One of the easiest wind experiments involves just baby powder and a lamp.
After completing this investigation, students should have a better understanding of what makes the wind blow.
Baby Powder Wind Investigation
Materials
- talcum powder (baby powder)
- a small cloth such as a handkerchief
- a lamp without a shade
Instructions
- Sprinkle a little of the talcum powder on the cloth.
- Shake a little of the powder off near a lamp with a light bulb which is not lighted. Notice what happens to the powder.
- Turn on the light and give it a few minutes to get hot.
- Shake some more powder off the cloth.
- What do you observe?
Explanation
Before the bulb is turned on, the powder simply falls slowly. After the bulb warms up, the powder rises.
When the air gets warmed by the lighted bulb, it rises, carrying the baby powder with it. The cooler heavier air is pushed down. This is how wind is created. Warmer air rises and causes cooler air to flow down.
Caution
- Be careful near the hot bulb.
- Do not inhale the talcum powder.
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