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OBJECTIVES:
An anemometer is an instrument used to determine
the wind's force or speed. The Wright brothers used
an anemometer to determine the wind's speed as they
experimented with their flying machines. This information
was used to: calculate the amount of lift and drift (drag) on
their flying machines and to correlate flying machine
performance trends under different conditions.
This anemometer is an example of a vertical-axis wind collector.
Students construct a cup anemometer.
Students learn about the calibration of an anemometer,
perform a simple calibration and create a calibration chart.
Students learn about different types of anemometers and the
forces which drive the instruments' operation.
NATIONAL SCIENCE STANDARDS:
Physical Science:
Motions And Forces
Transfer Of Energy
Science As Inquiry:
Abilities Necessary To Do Scientific Inquiry
Science and Technology:
Understanding About Science and Technology
History And Nature Of Science:
Science As A Human Endeavor
Nature Of Science
History Of Science
STANDARDS FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERACY:
The Nature Of Technology:
Students will develop an understanding of the core
concepts of technology.
Technology And Society:
Students will develop an understanding of
the influence of technology on history.
Design:
Students will develop an understanding of the role of
troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and
experimentation in problem solving.
The Designed World:
Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and
use energy and power technologies.
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LECTURE AND PREPARATION TIME:
60 minutes
LESSON TIME:
Three 60 minute class periods
WORDS TO KNOW:
- anemometer
- calibrate
- circumference
- force
- RPM - revolutions per minute
- speed
- velocity
- vertical-axis
SPECIAL NOTES:
Although the calibration activity, science concepts and vocabulary are
intended for middle school students,
younger and older students may enjoy this activity.
This paper cup anemometer will produce a
reasonable approximation of circumferential velocity, but should
not be used for any
purpose other than elementary illustration.
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