Wind Energy
Supplies, instructions, resources, and worksheets are below!
Wind Energy
Project Description
Wind turbines use wind to make electricity. In this STEM project, you’ll learn if wind direction changes the power of a wind turbine. You’ll make a paper pinwheel, and then test it’s strength from different locations.
Activity Time
1-2 days
Adult supervision required if testing outdoors
Supplies Recommended
Investigative Worksheet
Pinwheel Template
1 long pencil with eraser on it
A straight pin
Scissors
Sheet of paper
Learning Objectives
Understand wind energy
Understand wind direction
Improve design and critical thinking skills
Vocabulary Terms to Understand
Look up each word and write their definition on paper.
wind turbine
electricity
renewable
blades
anemometer
braking system
substation
transformer
generator
speed
rotor
Instructional Video:
Instructions
1. Print the Investigative Worksheet.
2. Print the Pinwheel Template.
3. Watch the Instructional Videos above for how to build your paper pinwheel.
4. Build your pinwheel.
5. Test out the strength of your pinwheel at different locations outdoors.
6. Use the Investigative Worksheet to document your process and record your findings.
Questions
How does wind energy work?
Does the direction of the wind effect the power of a wind turbine?
How hot did your oven get?
How would you design it differently to improve how it works?
More Resources
Wind Energy Facts for Kids
Humans have been harnessing the wind for centuries.
Technical Report: Wind Energy Glossary: Technical Terms and Concepts (advanced)
How do wind turbines work?
Department of Energy: How Does a Wind Turbine Work
Wind Direction
Wind Power
Basics of Wind Energy
