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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.)
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