Spinning Paper Pinwheel

Create a colorful pinwheel that spins in the breeze! This project teaches kids about wind energy and basic geometry through a fun, hands-on craft.

Tools

• scissors
• ruler
• pencil

Materials

• square colored paper (6x6 inch, 1 sheet)
• plastic drinking straw (1)
• push pin (1)
• bead (small, 1)

Safety

• Adult supervision is required when using the push pin and scissors.
• Be careful not to prick fingers with the sharp end of the pin.
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Small parts pose a choking hazard. Supervise young children.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Lay the square piece of paper flat on the table.
2. Use a ruler and pencil to draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner, creating an 'X' shape.
3. Cut along the diagonal lines from the corners toward the center, but stop about 1 inch before reaching the middle point.
4. Starting at one corner, gently fold every other triangle point toward the center of the paper. Do not crease the paper; leave it curved to catch the wind.
5. Hold the four folded points together in the center of the paper.
6. Push the pin through the center of all four points and through the middle of the paper.
7. Slide a small bead onto the pin before pushing the pin into the side of the straw. The bead acts as a spacer so the paper can spin freely.
8. Push the pin firmly into the straw to secure the pinwheel.
9. Take your pinwheel outside and hold it up to the wind to watch it spin!