Leonardo Da Vinci's Flying Machines
$34.99
Introduction
The wind is all around us—even though we can’t see it, we can feel its power! One of the stars in the Matariki cluster, Ururangi, is connected to the winds and the way they move across the land and sky.
In this activity, you’ll create your own spinning pinwheel—a fun way to see the wind in action! Using simple materials like paper, a straw, and a toothpick, you’ll build a tool that demonstrates how air moves. Take it outside and let Ururangi bring your pinwheel to life!
Let’s explore the science of wind and celebrate the kaha (strength) of Ururangi.
Step 1:
Gather all your materials:
• Pepa porowhā - Square piece of paper (or thin card)
• Kutikuti - Scissors
• Rūri - Ruler
• Pene rākau - Pencil
• Ngongo pepa - Paper straw
• Tēpa whakapiri - Cellotape
• Kape niho - Toothpick
Step 2:
Fold your square piece of paper so two opposite corners come together, making a triangle. Crease well and then unfold. Repeat this with the other two opposite corners. Once unfolded, your paper should have an X crease in it.
Step 3:
Use scissors to cut along each crease, starting from each corner and stopping about 2/3 of the way towards the centre.
Step 4:
Fold four corners into the centre, choosing one corner from each triangle-shaped flap (or every second corner). Make sure you don't crease the fold, keep them curved. Use a small piece of cellotape to hold all of the corners in place at the centre.
Step 5:
Your paper spinner should look like this image once all corners are folded and taped.
Step 6:
Ask an adult to carefully pierce a hole through the centre of the pinwheel, using a pin or another sharp object. Then, gently poke a toothpick through the hole so it goes through all the layers.
Step 7:
Carefully poke the end of the toothpick through the top of a paper straw to give your pinwheel a handle.
Step 8:
Head outside to see Ururangi in action by holding your pinwheel up to the wind and watching it spin. You can also create your own wind by blowing gently on the pinwheel to make it turn.
Reflect
- When you tested your spinner, what did you learn about wind or air movement?
- What things changed the way your spinner moved, and how?
- How could this design be used in real life?
How It Works
Just like wind turbines, your pinwheel spins because of moving air, or wind, pushing against its blades. As the air hits each angled flap, it creates a force that turns the wheel—this is called air resistance and rotational motion. The shape and curve of the blades help catch the wind, showing how direction and design affect movement. This experiment connects to Ururangi, the star linked to wind, reminding us of the forces that shape weather, movement, and energy all around us.
