Today, we will continue to experiment using the wind turbine kit. More specifically, we will conduct science experiments to test how a wind turbine most effectively harnesses wind energy. Today we will focus on two areas together, blade shape and blade angle. Then, you will have additional time to create a test of your own to learn more about how to most effectively harness the wind. 

As you are working, you should complete the chart in the Google Doc below by making a copy of the document. You may choose to do this by creating a digital copy in your google drive or by copying this chart into your engineering design notebook. 

To complete this activity, you will need:

• Your turbine kit

• a source of wind

• a multimeter or LED light

We will begin with the blade shape. Attach the blade that came with the turbine kit and measure the amount of energy you can harness by either using the multimeter that you have or by recording how brightly the LED shines. Then, create your own blade shape using what you have learned about biomimicry. You may choose to use different materials and different shapes to determine which design is most effective.

Next, you should test the angle that the wind is most effectively harnessed at by changing the angle of the wind turbine blade. You should try at least 3 different angles. 

Reflect on your learning!

1. Which blade shape was most effective?

2. Which tilt angle was most effective?

3. How do you believe these two variables play a role in full size wind turbine models?

Post pictures of your finished projects on the PicoOnline Padlet by clicking the following link: Click here