This activity was originally created for the 2022 KidWind Instant Challenge. During this 15-minute activity, students will evaluate and analyze three separate maps to determine the best location for a wind farm in a magical land. They’ll need to meet the Ruler’s requirements, avoid dragons and dinosaurs, and generate a pro and con list for each map.
To prepare, gather these items for each group of 3-4 students:
This generator has 4-foot leads which are attached with shrink-wrapped, reinforced soldering. Typical output in non-geared wind devices is 0.5–2.5 V at 0.1–0.3 A.
A KidWind Generator is the only piece of required equipment to be used during the KidWind Challenge. The Kansas Energy Program can provide generators to teams competing in the Kansas KidWind Challenge.
Perform all of the same investigations as the Basic Wind Experiment Kit with the ability to generate more power at higher voltages (0.5 V–20 V). Discover advanced concepts of wind turbine technology, including gearboxes and generator construction (with the GenPack add-on).
This kit allows young scientists to test a variety of blade designs, generate electricity (0.5 –3 V range), and lift weights. The Basic Wind Experiment Kit has all the materials you need to begin understanding wind power. The kit is also a great starting point for students new to the KidWind Challenge.
Simpler to use than a multimeter, the Go Direct Energy Sensor measures the voltage and current output of a renewable energy system. Connect a source, such as a small wind turbine or solar panel, and our free Graphical Analysis 4 app displays voltage, current, power, and energy output. For simple energy measurements, Go Direct Energy includes a fixed load of 30 Ω.
The Go Direct Energy Sensor is ideal for a wide variety of renewable energy experiments:
Explore scientific equipment while using critical thinking with our Energy Audit Breakout Room kit! Students will examine evidence and contribute to creating solutions. Can you escape in time?!
Check out our K12 Energy Benchmarking Lesson: Audit Breakout Room.
This activity requires participants to design a wind-powered car. Regardless of age, everyone seems to have a great time with this – even adults! For younger children, assistance will be needed to use scissors and put the components together. For a written lesson and instructions, visit the KidWind Class Activities page at https://kidwind.org/activity/sail-cars/.
Students can investigate the power grid via wooden block designed with electronics. It models the flow of electricity from nuclear, coal, natural gas, wind, hydro, and solar power sources through substations before being distributed to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers. The platform can also model distributed generation in the form of solar gardens and private residential wind turbines to demonstrate the broad range of energy options possible in the future.
Power an electrical circuit by solar panel or a wind tunnel! Generate hydrogen through water electrolysis and convert it into electricity using a PEM fuel cell. Ability for 9 different experiments and 10 class periods.
