ERIC Number: EJ955979
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Dec
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0887-2376
EISSN: N/A
Powering the Future: A Wind Turbine Design Challenge
Pries, Caitlin Hicks; Hughes, Julie
Science Scope, v35 n4 p24-30 Dec 2011
Nothing brings out the best in eighth-grade physical science students quite like an engineering challenge. The wind turbine design challenge described in this article has proved to be a favorite among students with its focus on teamwork and creativity and its (almost) sneaky reinforcement of numerous physics concepts. For this activity, pairs of students are challenged to build a set of blades that will capture wind energy and cause a small motor (acting as a generator) to spin, thereby creating electricity. This activity introduces students to the pros and cons of a renewable energy source, allowing them to experience how energy can change form from mechanical to electrical. The amount of electricity created is measured with a multimeter, and the group whose design generates the most electricity wins. (Contains 4 figures and 3 online resources.)
Descriptors: Science Activities, Energy, Grade 8, Physical Sciences, Physics, Scientific Concepts, Evaluation Methods, Middle Schools, Secondary School Students, Engineering, Science Projects, Teaching Machines, Design, Science Education
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Grade 8; Middle Schools
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A