Wind Tunnel for Kids: Science Behind the Flight

Looking for an exciting activity the whole family can enjoy? Look no further! Indoor skydiving in a wind tunnel is an absolute blast for kids and adults alike. Did you know there’s even a special indoor skydiving league just for kids?

But if your kiddo feels a bit nervous, that’s totally okay – while it may seem big and loud at first, there’s no need to worry – it’s a lot of fun, and understanding how a wind tunnel works can help ease those nerves. In this article, we’ll dive into how a wind tunnel functions and teach you how to create your own DIY wind tunnel for kids at home!

What Makes the Wind Tunnel Work?

Wind tunnels, like the one at Paraclete XP, are amazing examples of engineering at work. They’re called “re-circulating wind tunnels” because they keep air moving in a continuous loop – kind of like a racetrack for air.

What’s the principle behind the wind tunnel? Here’s how it works: 

• Powerful Fans: Wind tunnels rely on massive fans to move air at high speeds. For example, the wind tunnel at Paraclete XP uses fans that can generate an equivalent of 2,164 horsepower (that’s as powerful as over 60 motorcycles!).
• Smooth Airflow: The air travels through the structure, guided by special “turning vanes” that make it move smoothly without turbulence. This ensures the air feels just like skydiving outside!
• Temperature Control: Our tunnel has special adjustable doors, or louvers, that allow air temperature to be controlled. This ensures that the air is comfortable no matter the season, so it’s warm in winter and cool in summer. 

After making its way around the tunnel, the air completes the loop and starts all over again, creating the perfect breeze for flight!

Real-Life Applications of Wind Tunnels

Did you know wind tunnels are also used in science and engineering? They help researchers study how air moves around objects, like cars, planes, and even buildings. In fact, at NASA, researchers use wind tunnels to learn more about how an aircraft will fly as well as test spacecrafts and rockets! By experimenting in wind tunnels, scientists can design more efficient airplanes, test aerodynamics, and understand how to create lift for flight.

DIY Wind Tunnel for Kids: A Fun STEM Experiment

Ready to bring the magic of a wind tunnel into your home? Building your own DIY wind tunnel is an easy way to explore the concept of airflow and gravity. Plus, it’s a hands-on way to show your kids how wind tunnels work.

How to Make a Wind Tunnel for Kids

Safety first! Always supervise kids during this activity, especially when using scissors, tape, or a fan.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Fan: Portable desk fan
• Chamber: Clear plastic bottles or a cylindrical tube made from clear plastic
• Lightweight objects: Pom-poms, feathers, dried leaves, or anything light enough to float in the airflow
• Tools: Scissors, tape (heavy-duty packaging tape works best), clothespins (optional), rubber bands or string (optional). 

Steps to Build Your DIY Wind Tunnel: 

• Prepare the Fan
  Find a fan that is small and safe for your project. If you’re creating a vertical wind tunnel, a desk fan that can blow air straight up will work best. Just make sure the fan blades are covered to prevent accidents.
• Create the Chamber
  Cut the bottom and top off of two clear plastic bottles (use more if necessary), and tape them together. This will be the chamber that guides the air through your wind tunnel. If you don’t have a bottle, you can roll a piece of clear plastic into a tube. Use tape to seal the edges tightly so air doesn’t escape.
• Attach the Chamber to the Fan
  The next step is to attach the chamber to the fan. You have two methods you can experiment with here:
  
• Tape the chamber directly onto the fan grill.
• Use clothespins to attach the chamber securely to the fan grill. The clothespins create a base that acts as a buffer, and you can then use rubber bands or string to attach the clothespins to the fan grill. 
• Turn It on and Experiment
  Switch on the fan and watch as the objects float! You can start with a simple object like a pom-pom or feather and watch how the airflow lifts it! You can test different materials to see how they behave differently. You can even adjust the fan speed or change the size of the chamber to see how that affects the floating objects.

Scaling Up: Want to go bigger? You can build a larger wind tunnel using stronger materials like wood or metal for support. Just keep in mind that larger setups require more tools and careful planning to ensure stability and safety.

Why Indoor Skydiving is Great for Kids

Creating your own wind tunnel is a great way to get a taste of indoor skydiving before actually experiencing it. It’s a fantastic STEM experiment that combines fun with learning! Once your kids understand the science behind wind tunnels, they’ll feel more confident about trying real indoor skydiving. Not only is indoor skydiving a fun activity, but it also promotes confidence, teamwork, and a sense of adventure. 

Book time with us today – we can’t wait to fly in the wind tunnel with you!