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

Tools

• scissors
• ruler
• pencil

Materials

• square colored paper (6-inch x 6-inch, 1 sheet)
• wooden dowel or sturdy straw (12 inches, 1)
• push pin or thumbtack (1)
• bead (small plastic, 1)
• glue stick (1)

Safety

• Adult supervision is required when using push pins and scissors.
• Be careful with the sharp point of the push pin.
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Small parts pose a choking hazard. Supervise young children.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner on your square piece of paper to create an 'X' shape.
2. Cut along the diagonal lines from the corners toward the center, stopping about 1 inch before you reach the middle point.
3. Starting at one corner, gently fold every other triangle point into the center of the square without creasing the paper.
4. Apply a small dot of glue to the tip of each folded point to hold them together in the center.
5. Use a push pin to poke a small hole exactly through the center of the pinwheel and the folded points.
6. Slide the push pin through the center of the paper and then push it into the top of your wooden dowel or straw.
7. Slide a small bead onto the pin between the paper and the dowel; this acts as a spacer so the pinwheel can spin freely.
8. Push the pin firmly into the dowel, but not so tight that the paper cannot rotate.
9. Take your pinwheel outside and hold it up to the wind to watch it spin!