In making these observations, we recommend the following procedures and advice. Wind speed is measured with an instrument called an anemometer. One PTK teacher recommends checking books to be found in school or local libraries to see how a simple anemometer can be made from ping-pong balls. You or your colleagues may already have similar ingenious ideas. If winds are gusty, an average of several readings taken over the course of a few minutes should be made.
Wind direction is measured with a wind vane.
If one is not available atop your school, or a local church or city building, determine the wind direction by tying a lightweight streamer to the end of a long pole. Use a compass to note North, South, East and West, and intermediate degrees. The direction of the wind is opposite to the direction in which the tail of the streamer is pointing. As with wind speed, measurements of wind direction should be made in an open area away from nearby tall obstacles which can greatly influence the local direction of the wind. Be sure to measure the current temperature in a shaded, well- ventilated area about 4 or 5 feet above a dirt or grassy area.