Wind Fair

What is the nature of this flighty spirit, the wind? —Guy Murchie, Song of the Sky

What sets air in motion—and how does it flow? How do wings work? What keeps your kite from crashing down?

From mighty trade winds steering ships and storms across the seas to mild-mannered zephyrs lifting dandelion seeds, winds are everywhere, shaping and being shaped by our environment. Get to know which way the wind blows in this free, open-air market of aeolian science and art activities.

Enjoy food from local vendors as you browse wind-driven wares made by local artisans. Meet with meteorologists from the National Weather Service to learn how coastal winds affect weather. Join members of the SF Model Yacht Club to see the cut of their jibs, and build kites, rotocoptors, and other wind-powered wonders with Explorables volunteers. Examine the aerodynamics of windborne seeds, and learn how Makani Power flies wind turbines high above the ground.

The Exploratorium is moving to San Francisco’s Embarcadero in 2013.
Your participation in this fair will help us prototype a new kind of event that we hope to hold regularly at our future home. Our goal is to create a vibrant gathering place for individuals, organizations, artists, scientists, and educators to share ideas, display arts and crafts, and gain an increased appreciation and understanding of our natural surroundings and community.

Participating Vendors and Exhibitors

Accordion Apocalypse

Bob Burnside

Cal Sailing Club

Leafcutter Designs

LoFives

Made in the Haight

Makani Power

McKeever Studios

National Weather Service of NOAA

SF Kites

SF Model Yacht Club

Sonoma Technology, Inc.

SF Zoo

Patricia Vader

Food Vendors:

Fist of Flour Pizza Co.

Alicia’s Tamales

Exploratorium Science Educators:
Seed dispersal with Karen Kalumuck
Convection demo with Tory Brady
Wind mapping with Charlie Carlson

High School Explainer activities:
Convection, Clouds & Parachutes

Explorable Activities:
Rotocopters, gliders, puddle jumpers
Glove-A-Phones
Anemometers