Wind Turbines

This project involves seventh grade students working in teams to build fully functioning windmills. They develop an understanding and awareness for wind energy sources, as well as a sense of sustainable energy. Students begin the unit by doing an inquiry activity in which they test different pre-made blades to determine which ones out-perform others. Then, based on their results, they build their own blades and assemble their turbine to see who can produce the most volts. They experiment with number of blades, blade pitch, blade shape etc. A classroom competition is the culminating event for the unit and winners then move on to the annual Bethel Kid-Wind Challenge held in April.