Science Smarts: Windy

By Patty Rooks on November 15, 2025.

I do not know about you, but I am getting kind of tired of the wind these days. It is not even a gentle breeze; in my opinion they have been hurricane like winds.

I can hardly go for a walk in the evening with my dog without safety goggles on to keep the dirt out. Not to mention, perhaps you saw some of the pictures of big trucks even being blow over on their sides! I do not know about you, but that seems unheard of – of course, this has me thinking that I had better investigate wind so I can understand this phenomenon better. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Lamp with a bulb

– Talcum powder or

chalk dust

Procedure

1. If the lamp has a shade over it, carefully remove it.

2. Turn the lamp on.

3. Let the bulb warm up.

4. Caution: Do not touch the bulb as you will burn yourself. Hold your hand a few centimetres away so you can feel the heat.

5. When the bulb is warm, sprinkle a small bit of talcum powder or chalk into the palm of your hand. Hold your hand NEAR the lightbulb DO NOT touch it. Gently blow a cloud of dust over the bulb.

6. Observe what happens.

What is going on?

The powder is carried upwards by a rising current of warm air (or as we know it, wind), which is heated by the energy from the light bulb. Did you know that real wind starts when the sun heats the earth.

As the earth gets warm, it beings to heat the air just above it. This hot air expands, making it lighter. The warm, light air rises, leaving room for heavier, cooler air to move in and take place. This movement of the air is what we know as wind.

Teachers, do not forget to book your hands on Learning Kits for the school year. New to our resources this year includes the Spike Lego specifically for Grades 6-8. Do not forget about the OZOBOTS either as they will provide a fun way to learn coding! Book now as slots are filling up fast. As well, a number of kits have been realigned with the new Alberta Science Curriculum over the summer. Email Patty for details and topics.

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant Praxis Science Outreach Society. Praxis has moved! We are very fortunate to be located in the Community Futures Entre Corp Building at #202 556 Fourth St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0K8. For all your science needs, please email praxis@praxismh.ca.

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