Things You'll Need
9- by 9-inch construction paper
Scissors
Pen or pencil
Ruler
Hole Punch
Drinking Straw
Paper fastener
Windmills have historically used the power of the wind to generate electrical power and pump water. A handheld windmill is a useful tool to teach about wind-generated power. These windmills are also used as toys for children and decorations for outdoor gatherings. A handheld windmill is simple enough for a child to create, however adult supervision is needed because the project uses scissors and a hole punch. Create a single handheld windmill to play with the wind or make many windmills to create your own miniature windmill farm and truly experience the power of the wind.
Step 1
Draw one line on a piece of square construction paper from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Draw a second line from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Use a ruler as you draw the lines to ensure the lines are straight.
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Step 2
Draw a 2-inch square in the center of the paper.
Step 3
Cut along the diagonals to the corner of the center square. Do not cut beyond the edge of the center square. You now have four triangles.
Step 4
Punch a hole in the left corner of the top triangle. The hole should be about 1 to 2 cm from the edge. Turn the paper clockwise and punch a hole in the left corner of the new top triangle. Turn the paper clockwise again and repeat until all triangles have a hole punched in them. Make all holes the same distance from the edge of each triangle.
Step 5
Punch a hole in the center of the square. The center is be marked with an X from drawing the diagonal lines.
Step 6
Fold down the one end of a straw 2 to 3 cm from the top. Hold it down so the straw will stay folded down.
Step 7
Cut a "V" in the center of the folded section of the straw. Release the fold in the straw. You will see a diamond shaped hole in the straw.
Step 8
Fold the left corner of each triangle to the center. Line up the holes.
Step 9
Insert a paper fastener through the holes in the paper and the straw. Secure it to the straw loose enough to allow for movement by folding out either side of the brad.
Step 10
Blow into the handheld windmill to watch it spin.
Tip
The construction paper may need to be trimmed to the correct size.
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