WIND
STEM RAYS Wind Summary Sheet
Basic Ideas:
Wind energy can make electricity: Inflow of wind activates rotor and blades which spin a main
shaft and gear box which spin a generator resulting in electrical output
Wind energy is a renewable energy resource and is emission free
There is great potential for wind energy to meet an increasing percent of our electrical needs
and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
Hands on Material Available:
Use of Kid Wind turbine and generator available to share
Resources:
Great power points (lots of them!) and excellent teacher resources at www.kidwind.org with
great links to other sites
“Wind with Miller: kid research activities and materials at www.windpower.org
Standards/Skills
Scientific Processes
Use of simple tools and equipment
Electricity and energy transformations
Research Activities:
Investigate blade design for maximum electrical output (build and test different blades) using
the kid wind turbine
Calculate wind speed as a function of electrical generation
Study wind conditions: make a wind sock; school site analysis for wind potential
Design your own windmill and tower