Let's Get Crafty!

Looking for a fun and creative way to teach your children about renewable energy? Pinwheels are a fun craft to demonstrate wind power and are easy to make! Follow these steps to get started.


Materials:

• Construction paper • Scissors • Thumbtacks • Crayons • Pencils with erasers

 

Instructions:

STEP 1: Cut construction paper into a square. Fold it diagonally in half (corner to corner). Open it back up and fold the paper diagonally across the other two corners. Open the paper to a flat square again. You should now have an X folded into the square.

STEP 2: Decorate all four sections of the paper on both sides. Use any colors and patterns you like.

STEP 3: Cut the paper-starting at each corner-along the four fold lines. Stop cutting about a thumb's width away from the center on each line. Gently bend the long point from each cut triangle across the center.

STEP 4: In the center where the points cross, poke a thumbtack (ask an adult for help) through all the paper and then into the dowel stick or pencil. OR poke a brass paper fastener through the layers. Wrap the end of the paper fastener around a dowel stick or pen.

STEP 5: To start your pinwheels, turn the paper wheel around a few times to loosen it so it can spin. Then watch the colors dance as the breeze or your breath catches your creation. Adult assistance may be needed!  

Enjoy your new creation!