Wind Energy

Part 2 - Lesson 2: Wind Energy

Grades:

6-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will learn about wind and how wind varies across geographies. Students will use Vernier Wind Turbine kits or homemade wind turbines to experiment with blade angles and wind speed. During experimentation, students will collect data as blade angles...

Energy Content:

Electrical Energy,

Electricity Generation,

Sources of Energy,

Wind Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are the variable and wind speed is constant.2.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are constant and wind speed varies.3.Students will collect and analyze data to provide a conclusion to the questions: What is the optimal blade angle for generating the most energy? What is the optimal wind speed for generating the most energy?4.Students will research prevailing winds and use a provided map of their region to indicate wind speed and direction.5.Students will propose locations for wind farms based on optimal energy generation and zoning restrictions.6.Based on their proposals, students will determine a range of potential kilowatt generation from wind power.

Pedagogy & Practice:

21st Century Skills Development,

Engineering Design,

Establishing a Culture of Science,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials,

Multiple Learning Styles,

Phenomena-Driven Instruction,

Place-Based Learning,

Project-Based Learning

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

2: Developing and Using Models,

3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Jonathan Strunin

Relevant NGSS PE:

MS-ESS3-3,

MS-ESS3-4,

MS-ETS1-1,

MS-ETS1-2,

MS-ETS1-3,

MS-ETS1-4,

MS-PS3-2,

HS-ESS3-2,

HS-ESS3-4,

HS-ETS1-1,

HS-ETS1-2,

HS-ETS1-3,

HS-ETS1-4,

HS-PS3-3

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Measurement,

Social Sciences: Geography

Estimated Activity Length:

10 hours

What is Our Plan?

Grades:

9-12

Unit:

50 Year Energy Plan

Lesson Number:

Description:

With all the pieces in place, this Unit’s final lesson asks students to code a spreadsheet that calculates and mathematically predicts the environmental impacts of different energy sources and strategies over a 50 year timespan. Divided into five...

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Biomass Energy,

Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),

Hydropower,

Solar Photovoltaic,

Sources of Energy,

Wind Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students utilize their knowledge of energy’s impact on global systems as well as the process of energy generation in order to inform their development of a 50-year Energy Plan divided into decades.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Engineering Design,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Place-Based Learning,

Project-Based Learning

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Bradford Hill

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ESS3-2,

HS-ETS1-1,

HS-ETS1-3,

HS-ETS1-4

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Writing,

Math: Graphing & Representation,

Social Sciences: Analysis,

Social Sciences: Geography

Estimated Activity Length:

5 hours

Part 3 – Lesson 1: A Plan for Renewable Energy Goals

Grades:

6-12

Unit:

A Community Powered by Renewable Energy

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will utilize their home energy audits from Part 1, the information they gathered from the wind and solar assessments in Part 2, and the knowledge they gained from the solar project in Part 2 to devise a plan for your city or town to meet renewable...

Energy Content:

Electrical Energy,

Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),

Solar Photovoltaic,

Sources of Energy,

Wind Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1.Students will utilize previously acquired information about energy needs to create a renewable energy proposal for their city or town.2.Students will perform a solar energy audit on their homes and use class averages to calculate the amount of renewable energy that can be generated on residential properties.3.Students will assess where commercial and local government solar projects can occur within the city or town to meet the energy needs for non-residential consumers.4.Students will determine potential locations for larger scale wind and solar farms to augment the remaining energy needs of the community.5.Students will prepare a comprehensive renewable energy plan that totals the calculations for potential residential, commercial, and agency renewable energy generation.6.Students will prepare a brief PowerPoint presentation that summarizes their comprehensive plans that will be presented to a panel of elected officials or local experts/stakeholders.

Pedagogy & Practice:

21st Century Skills Development,

Engineering Design,

Field Work,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials,

Multiple Learning Styles,

Phenomena-Driven Instruction,

Place-Based Learning,

Project-Based Learning,

Research-Primary

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices: