Learning Goals:

1. Students will be able to identify and explain at least three variables that affect the efficency of wind turbines.
2. Students will conduct a scientific investigation to determine which wind turbine configuration will generate the most power.

Handouts

• Measuring Power Generation in Wind Turbines Worksheet
• Wind Assessment: How Windy is it Where You Live? Worksheet
• National and Local Wind Maps (or provide digitally) 1 per 2 students
• Wind Basic PVC Wind Turbine – pages 4-7; 1-2 per group

Classroom Supplies (per groups of 4)

• 5 1″ PVC 90° fittings
• 3 1″ PVC T fittings
• 5ft length, 1″ gauge PVC pipe
• 1″ PVC coupler
• Multimeter
• Electric Motor (recommended)
• 2 Alligator or banana clips
• 1 Hub (recommended)
• 1 Box of blade materials: balsa wood, cardboard, and wooden dowels (recommended)
• Duct tape
• Razor blades or scissors
• Box fans (can be shared between two groups)
• Optional: Anemometer
• Optional: Hack saw
• Optional: 1.5V battery & small light bulb

Important Links

• Lesson Plan
• Wind Turbine Build Video
• Wind Maps

Next Generation Science Standards

MS-PS3-4 (Science and Engineering Practices)

• Plan an investigation individually and collaboratively, and in the design: identify independent and dependent variables and controls, what tools are needed to do the gathering, how measurements will be recorded, and how many data are needed to support a claim.

MS-PS3-1 (Science and Engineering Practices)

• Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to identify linear and nonlinear relationships.

MS-ETS1-2

• Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.