The cardinal directions can show changes in the weather because if the wind changes direction, often the weather will change too. This tool is usually installed on the roof of the building. There, the wind is unaffected by objects near ground level. You can make a simple cardinal guide as a science course project or as a yard decoration, or make a more durable model out of wood that is then mounted on a roof or pole.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Cardinal Directions out of Paper
Step 1. Make cuts on both ends of the straw
Take a straight plastic straw, then use scissors to make slits at both ends. Each piece is about 1cm long, but it doesn't have to be exact, so if you don't have a ruler, just make small cuts about the tip of your little finger.
If the straw has a bend that can be bent, cut it off before cutting
Step 2. Make triangles and squares out of thick paper
Both can be made from manila folders, thick index sheets, or cardboard such as poster paper or cereal packaging. Preferably the triangle is like an arrow or an equilateral triangle and smaller than a square. If you have a ruler, try making a triangle that is 5 cm high and a square 7x7 cm.
The shape of the box is not mandatory, it is also possible to have other shapes as long as it is bigger than the triangle/arrow. The field can also be colored or given a sticker to make it funnier
Step 3. Attach the two pieces of paper to the cut in the straw
The triangle can be paired so that it resembles the tip of the arrow, while the square is on the opposite end. If the two pieces don't fit properly, try gluing them on a straw and then leaving them on a paper mat until the glue dries. Do the things below first while waiting for the glue to dry.
Prepare the paper mat before applying the glue so that the glue doesn't spill on the table
Step 4. Prepare a container of gravel
Prepare an ice cream container, plastic cup, or any small plastic container that you don't use. Fill the container halfway with gravel, sand, or the like that will hold the cardinal upright.
If you don't have a suitable container, you can also use a large lump of clay. Pierce the clay with a pencil, then read the section that begins with "Pull the pencil through…"
Step 5. Make a lid for the container
If the container already has a lid, put the lid on. If you don't have a lid, make a lid out of a paper plate or cardboard glued to the top of the container. Wait for the glue to dry and the cap is completely in place before proceeding.
Step 6. Stick the pencil through the bottom of the container
Prepare a pencil that has a rubber eraser on it. Turn the container over and make a hole in the bottom side; For children, you should ask an adult for help. Insert the sharp end of the pencil (the end for writing) into the hole until it is immersed in the gravel/sand and can stand up.
Add glue or adhesive liquid to the hole if the pencil won't stand firmly
Step 7. Insert the needle so that the straw is attached to the eraser end of the pencil
Prepare a needle or tacks. Insert the needle through the center of the straw and then pierce the end of the pencil eraser. Try blowing square paper on a straw; if the straw doesn't turn, try to make sure the needle fits snugly in the center of the straw; if it collapses, try cutting the paper on the side that is collapsing so that it is smaller.
Step 8. Use a compass to make cardinal marks on the cardinal directions (optional)
If you have a compass, try to find out which way is north. Write "North" on the north-facing side or top of the plastic container. This step is not mandatory if you don't need to know the compass direction of the wind.
- Remember if the position of the container is moved, use the compass again to determine the direction north at the new position.
- It is also possible to write "East", "South", and "West" in a clockwise order, as if looking at the cardinal directions on the map.
Step 9. Watch as the cardinal rotates
Bring the cardinal directions outside, which is a place away from walls or other large objects that can block the wind. If there is a gust of wind, the wind should push the square paper so that the straw rotates and the arrows indicate the direction from which the wind "came". If the arrow points to the west, then the wind is a westerly wind that blows from west to east.
Method 2 of 2: Creating Permanent Cardinal Directions
Step 1. Create a design for the cardinal arrows
The cardinal design must meet these requirements: one end must be larger than the opposite but still balanced. This requirement is easier to do if the cardinal directions are made of thin bars with decorations on both ends, usually an arrowhead at one end and a larger ornate design at the other.
- You can also buy cardinal designs online or from a blacksmith or carpenter.
- Using three-dimensional designs is not recommended, unless you are a real expert. 3-dimensional design must be balanced front-back and left-right.
Step 2. Cut the wood according to the design
Draw the design on a piece of wood that is at least 5 cm thick. The type of wood should be strong but light, for example balsa wood. Use a jigsaw or coping saw to cut out design drawings in the wood.
It's a good idea to use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the design pieces (optional)
Step 3. Paint the design piece
The paint will increase the durability of the wood so it doesn't rot quickly. Choose a paint color that stands out against the color of the sky and roof if the cardinal will be installed in a high place.
If using multiple colors, let one color dry before painting the next (optional)
Step 4. Use wooden pegs and wooden blocks as a base
Prepare a block of wood that is heavier than the cardinal points to use as a base. Prepare wooden pegs or iron rods that are thick and sturdy, then make holes in the wooden blocks according to the thickness of the pegs. Put the pegs in the holes in the block; use glue to fix it firmly.
Step 5. Find the center of the balance on the cardinal arrows
Put your hands together with your palms facing each other. Place the cardinal arrows on top of your index fingers, then slide your hands until they touch. If the cardinal arrow can balance at this position, mark the point.
Step 6. Make a hole with a drill at that point
This hole is to be matched with the end of the peg, so use the same drill bit. Drill the arrow pointing the direction of the wind on the bottom side and just enough to half through.
Step 7. Attach the arrow part to the peg, but only attach it loosely; make adjustments if necessary
Attach the hole in the arrow to the top end of the peg, but don't push it until it snaps into place. This joint should be loose enough so that the arrowhead can rotate freely. Sand the end of the peg to make it a little smaller if necessary. If using a metal rod, use a drill to increase the diameter of the hole in the arrow.
If the part of the arrow is unstable or falls off the peg, deepen the hole
Step 8. Mark the cardinal base according to the compass direction (optional)
Adding a cardinal card is useful if winds from a particular direction are often a sign of storms, cold weather, or other weather phenomena. If you want to do this, make sure to set the position where the cardinal points will be installed and then mark "North", "East", "South", and "West" correctly. Estimate how the tool will look from below and decide whether the cardinal directions should be painted or engraved underneath. You can also make pieces of wood in the shape of the letters "U", "T", "S", and "B", and then nail the pieces to the base of the cardinal directions.
Step 9. Test and install the cardinal signs
Place the cardinal on a high place or on a hill and see if it moves with the wind. If it has been proven that the tool is sturdy enough, but can also rotate freely according to the wind, then it can be installed permanently. The cardinal directions can be permanently installed by means of: nailed, wire tied to the top of the fence post, or any other way according to your wishes.
The higher the position of the compass, the easier it is to turn with the wind
Tips
- The cardinal directions usually indicate the direction FROM where the wind is blowing. So if this tool is pointing north, it means that the wind is coming from north to south. But there are also those that are deliberately reversed. If you want this tool to show which direction the wind is blowing, the tip of the arrow must be larger than the opposite end.
- Cardinal pointers are often made of metal, but this requires welding, which must be done with adequate equipment and training.
