This fun wind tunnel project is so easy to DIY! Inspired by inventor and scientist Mary Jackson, students can discover the power of a wind tunnel and the science behind it. Add this to your list of easy science experiments and STEM activities you can do at home or in the classroom.
What is a Wind Tunnel?
Wind tunnels are large tubes with air pushed through them by a big fan. They study how air moves around an object in the tube. Engineers may even use smoke or dye to see how the air moves around the object more easily! Wind tunnels can be small, or they can be as big as an entire building!
Make a DIY Wind Tunnel
You probably have most of what you need for this DIY Wind Tunnel sitting around your house or classroom, making this easy to do without much prep work!
💡 Soda bottles also make great bottle rockets, water filters, and greenhouses!
SUPPLIES:
- (2) 1 liter bottles
- Tape
- Box fan
- Pom poms
- Scissors
WIND TUNNEL EXPERIMENT SET UP
STEP 1: Cut the top and bottom off of two 1 liter bottles. Leave as much of the length of the bottle as possible when cutting while still removing the top, curved part of the bottle.
STEP 2: Fit the two tubes together and tape. We used regular scotch tape, but clear packing tape would also work!
STEP 3: Point your fan up and tape the tube on top. Make sure you tape your tube to the fan securely because wind pressure can be strong!
STEP 4: Turn on the fan, drop your pom poms inside and watch the fun!
Make Observations, Ask Questions!
What were some observations you made? How did the wind move the pom-poms? Did that change when there were more or fewer pom-poms in the wind tunnel? Try bigger pom-poms and smaller ones to see what changes you notice!
Who is Mary Jackson?
Mary Jackson started at the NASA Langley Research Center with a job title of ‘computer’! Before actual computers, people did all the math by head and hand as mathematicians!
Mary later received an offer to work for an engineer in the Supersonic Pressure Tunnel, a 60,000 horsepower wind tunnel that could blast models with winds nearly twice the speed of sound!
Mary was offered hands-on experience conducting experiments in the facility. Eventually, it was suggested that she enter a training program that would allow her to earn a promotion to engineer!
💡 See more amazing projects and ideas from the most influential black men and women here!
Turn It Into A Science Fair Project
Science projects are an excellent way for older kids to show what they know about science. They can also be used in all sorts of environments, including classrooms and groups.
Kids can take everything they have learned about using the scientific method, stating a hypothesis, choosing variables, making observations, and analyzing and presenting data.
Want to turn one of these experiments into an awesome science fair project? Check out these helpful resources.
STEM Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce STEM more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Engineering Design Process Explained
- What Is An Engineer?
- Engineering Words
- Real World STEM
- Questions for Reflection (get them talking about it!)
- BEST STEM Books for Kids
- 14 Engineering Books for Kids
- Jr. Engineer Challenge Calendar (Free)
- Must Have STEM Supplies List
- Join us in the Club
More Fun STEM Activities
The number of fun STEM activities you can do with materials you likely have on hand is infinite! Try some of these after you’ve made your wind tunnel.
Printable STEM Pack for Kids
80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!
- Full instructions with sample images
- Activity-specific instruction sheets
- Data Collection Sheets
- Questions for Reflection
- Architecture Building Cards: Try the tallest tower challenge
- Bridge Building Cards: Explore different types of bridges to build your own.
- Paper Chain STEM Challenge: Who can make the longest chain? Great icebreaker or quick challenge!
- 3 Little Pigs Architectural Pack: Design a house that won’t blow away!
- Great marshmallow challenge: A classic challenge kids love!
- Real-world STEM challenge lesson but don’t know where to start? Our easy-to-follow template shows the steps!
- What’s the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
- Crossword and word search with engineering vocabulary.
- Engineering vocabulary cards
- Design a one-of-a-kind invention and write about it with this 5-page activity!
