Just like the rain and cold, wind is no reason to stop playing outside and connecting with nature. But it can be one of the more confronting weather patterns to adjust to! Helping children to understand why the wind is useful, can help it seem less scary and uncomfortable. Here are 3 amazing ways that the wind helps nature, and us!

Energy

Did you know that wind can be turned into renewable energy? Wind turbines use a simple principal to convert wind energy into electricity. Usually wind turbines have 3 blades, a bit like the propellers on a plane. When the wind turns these blades, this powers generator inside the turbine, and magnets are used convert the kinetic energy (blades turning in the wind) into electricity that we can use.

Plants & trees

Strong winds can be damaging for plants, but light wind can help small plants and seedlings grow sturdier as they get taller. Wind can also help make tree foliage more dense. As it moves branches around, the wind enables more leaves to get sunlight which promotes growth.

Pollination

You may know that many plants and flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects. But others rely on wind-pollination (anemophily). This means that pollen from one plant is transferred to another, by being carried through the air by the wind. Wind-pollinated plants are usually non-flowering plants, such as grass or gains. You might be surprised to know that some of the most comment food-crops, including wheat, corn and rice, are pollinated this way!

As well as these amazing useful ways that nature relies on wind, it can also be useful for FUN and learning! Check out another blog here for some activities to help you embrace and learn more about windy weather.