The air of our atmosphere moves in many directions and at varying speeds. It can be as gentle as a spring breeze or as dangerous as a tornado. Air is a fluid which moves in circuits, powered by unequal heating of large masses of air. As the Earth's surface is warmed differentially, the air above these surfaces absorbs different amounts of heat. Warmer air rises while cool air sinks which creates the environment for flowing air movement.
Winds flow across parallels of latitude, taking heat from equatorial regions to polar regions.
This equalizing process causes wind and is of major importance in determining the environments for life on land, global as well as local weather patterns, and a clean, inexpensive source of energy for humans. The following activities focus on characterisitics of wind, forces that cause wind, the effects of wind, and wind as a viable source of renewable energy for the 21st century. After your exploration of wind, have your students produce something that demonstrates their understanding of the concepts. Consult Current Creations for ideas and exhibits.