How to Make Simple Weather Vanes

Use the small saw to cut a 1/2 inch vertical slit into each end of the 12-inch long piece of wood. The wood should be 1 inch across and 2 inches tall for best results.

Hammer one nail all the way through the top of the 12-inch-long piece of wood at the exact midpoint. The point of the nail should come out through the bottom of the piece of wood. Hold the nail and turn the wood around it to loosen it up so the wood moves freely around the center axis of the nail.

Cut a triangular head and trapezoidal tail out of an aluminum baking dish or pie plate with scissors. The trapezoidal tail must be larger (have more mass) than the triangular head for the weather vane to function properly. Try to make both the head and tail at least 4 inches wide.

Glue the triangular head into the slot at one end of the piece of wood and glue the tail into the slot at the other end. Allow one hour or longer for the glue to dry.

Place a metal washer on the end of the broomstick, then place the point of the nail into the hole in the center of the metal washer. Hammer the end of the nail into the end of the broomstick. Make sure the wood can still move freely on the nail.

Attach the broomstick and weather vane to an outdoor fence with a length of wire, with the weather vane end as high as possible. The higher you position the weather vane, the more likely it'll be able to turn in the wind. The head of the weather vane should point into the direction from which the wind is blowing.