KidWind.org has a saying, “Dream big, but start small.” Students who participate in KidWind creatively explore the science, technology, and implications of a world powered by clean energy as they design, create, and test out small wind and solar projects to determine clean energy production.   

Many schools now have STEM (STEAM) classes or environmental education courses during the day or in after-school clubs addressing environmental literacy topics. KidWind plays a big part in after-school and in-school lessons promoting clean energy education in Virginia. As the world is increasingly powered by clean energy, it is more critical than ever that we help prepare a workforce that understands the complexities of this new power generation.

The mission of KidWind is to help students better understand the impacts of climate change and how we can address many of the effects climate change has on our environment. KidWind recognizes two primary challenges facing clean energy adoption: the lack of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce and the public’s lack of understanding of clean energy development.

KidWind addresses these challenges by working with educators within current frameworks to increase their capacity to teach about a wide range of clean energy concepts.  KidWind provides:

• Classroom Activities and Curricular Materials:  These are innovative clean energy educational materials that can be used in the classroom and are readily available from the KidWind website.

• Teacher Trainings: The in-person and virtual trainings are designed to inform educators about renewable energy topics so they can educate their students about the importance of a clean energy future.

• KidWind Challenges: KidWind challenges provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, creativity, and passion for renewable energies as they present their wind and solar projects in any of the In-person, Online Wind, Online Solar, and Simulation challenges or submit their clean energy artwork for the Art Challenge.