Where is the wind coming from?

You can't see the wind, but it leaves clues

You can't see the wind, but it leaves lots of clues around you. When you watch flags, leaves or hair moving, you can guess the path the wind is taking. First find the clues on the beach in the picture, then look at the wind where you are right now, together with a grown-up. It's practice in slowly looking around before you pick up a wing.

Try it together like this

1. Find things that move in the picture

   Look in turn at the flag, the trees, the people and the wings on the water. Point to the parts that make you think the wind is blowing. It's okay if everyone picks a different clue. Say what you saw first, and then add what you think.

2. Tell where the wind comes from and where things move

   Stretch your hand in the direction the leaves or the flag are moving. Then point to the opposite side too, where the wind comes from and pushes them that way. Taking turns saying where the wind comes from and where things move helps you tell the two directions apart.

3. Watch from a safe spot on land

   Stand with a grown-up in a spot where you can look around, and gently let go of a leaf that has already fallen. See which way it moved, and compare it with how nearby leaves or flags are moving. Never throw sand toward anyone's face.

4. Share the direction you found in words or a drawing

   Point to where you think the wind is coming from, and explain which clues told you. Check again a little later to see if it's the same. If you see different results, don't force a single answer. Just write down what you noticed right now.