Embedded Files
Author(s)
Denise Randol, Middle School Honors Math/Science
Jennifer Richard, NBCT - Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, & Physiology Instructor at Chatsworth Charter High School
NGSS Engineering Standards
NGSS Engineering Standards
Sixth Grade MS-ETS1 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the
criteria and constraints of the problems
MS-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to
identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for
success.
MS-PS3 Energy
Crosscutting Concepts:
Systems and System Models (MS-ESS2-6)
Models can be used to represent systems and their interactions-such as inputs, processes and outputs-and
energy, matter and information flows within systems.
Energy and Matter (MS-ESS2-4)
HS-PS3-3.
Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.* [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of devices. Examples of devices could include Rube Goldberg devices, wind turbines, solar cells, solar ovens, and generators. Examples of constraints could include use of renewable energy forms and efficiency.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment for quantitative evaluations is limited to total output for a given input. Assessment is limited to devices constructed with materials provided to students.]
Engineering Practices
Defining Problems
Design wind turbine blades.
Competition: Most electrical output generated.
Designing Solutions
determining the constraints
designing the blades
analyzing the design
refining the design
implementing the plan
modifying plan of implementation
building the turbine based on modifications.
Materials needed
Materials needed
PVC pipes
6 cut to 6"
1 cut to 2"
1 cut to 24"
DC motors
5 90 degree pipe fittings
3 T fittigns
coupling fitting
fan
paper
pencil
camera
multimeter
dowels
multimeter
adhesives (duct tape, hot glue, etc.)
blade materials (balsa wood, foam core, cardboard, etc.)
Procedure
Procedure
1.) Design Your Blueprint: Design a blueprint of your proposed blade designs. Take into consideration the various aspects of blade design that can help to reduce drag. Provide an explanation of why you developed your design the way you did.
1.) Design Your Blueprint: Design a blueprint of your proposed blade designs. Take into consideration the various aspects of blade design that can help to reduce drag. Provide an explanation of why you developed your design the way you did.
2.) Obtain Materials: The project makes use of various materials available. Consult your with your instructor to determine available materials.
2.) Obtain Materials: The project makes use of various materials available. Consult your with your instructor to determine available materials.
3.) Build The Blades: Using the available the parts construct your wind turbine blades according to your blueprint designs. Make sure to keep in mind that the goal is to produce the most energy possible. Consider the variables that might play a factor in the success of your wind turbines (i.e. angle of wind source, strength of wind).
3.) Build The Blades: Using the available the parts construct your wind turbine blades according to your blueprint designs. Make sure to keep in mind that the goal is to produce the most energy possible. Consider the variables that might play a factor in the success of your wind turbines (i.e. angle of wind source, strength of wind).
4.) Test Your Blades: Make sure to test out your design. Take notes on how you can refine and improve on your design. Make the improvements and test your design again!
Questions
Questions
How do wind turbines work?
Where are wind turbines most effective in terms of energy harvesting?
What wind turbine blade designs are most effective? Why?
What are some of the concerns/negative opinions that have been expressed by residents living near wind farms?
Collaborative Slide Show Activity
Unusual Wind Turbine Designed
Photos
Photos
Photos of Engineering Project
Photos of real-life application of engineering Concepts:
Movies
Movies
Include movies that you have taken. Your movies should be placed in your youtube account.
The following videos show two approaches to designing a turbine. Both are very creative and inspired.
YouTube Video: John Dabiri Caltech On Urban Mini Wind Farms
McArthur "Genius Grant" Winner, John Dabiri, explains how he studied the movement of schools of fish to design a wind turbine. Cutting edge, university level research.
YouTube Video: My VAWT Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Another designer, unnamed, explains his approach using a bicycle rim and a plastic bucket. Blue collar, old school.
References
References
Kid Wind (www.kidwind.org)
http://www.need.org/needpdf/infobook_activities/IntInfo/WindI.pdf
http://www.need.org/needpdf/infobook_activities/SecInfo/WindS.pdf
http://need.org/needpdf/AtAGlance/WindAtAGlance_8.5x11.pdf
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