Wind Turbine Design

www.windpower.org/en/kids/

Grade 1 – ENERGY IN OUR LIVES What have we learned? Wind has energy.

• The sun is the principal source of energy for the earth. Heat makes air move.

• Everything that happens is the result of using some form of energy. We can use the wind to do work (energy). Using energy (electricity) can create pollution.

• Humans need to be responsible for the ways in which we use energy. Examine our energy use. (see 1.1) Where does our electricity come from?

Grade 2 – MOVEMENT What have we learned? Wind can power a simple

machine.

• Movement is a change in the position of an object. Blades on a pinwheel change position when blown by the wind.

• Simple machines help objects to move. We can use the wind to power a winch (lift an object).

• Mechanisms are made up of one or more simple machines. Wind turbines that generate electricity or pump water use gears, pulleys.

• Simple machines and mechanisms make life easier and/or more enjoyable for humans. Wind power allows us to generate clean electricity and can do work for us.

Grade 3 – FORCES CAUSING MOVEMENT What have we learned? Wind is a force of nature.

• There are several types of forces that cause movement. Heat makes air move (wind).

• Forces cause objects to speed-up, slow down, or change direction through direct contact or through interaction at a distance. Wind can be harnessed to turn a turbine.

• Forces in nature, such as high winds or water, can have a significant impact on humans and the environment, and need to be regarded with respect. A light breeze can lift an object.

Further connections

• Grade 4 – PULLEYS AND GEARS

• Grade 5 – FORCES ACTING ON STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS

• Grade 5 – CONSERVATION OF ENERGY AND RESOURCES

• Grade 6 – FLIGHT

• Grade 6 - ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL DEVICES

Grade 7 – FORM AND FUNCTION What have we learned? With proper design a wind turbine is more effective and efficient.

• Structures have a purpose. Wind turbines are an important source of clean energy.

• The form of a structure is dependent on its function. The structural design of a wind turbine is dependent on location and purpose.

• The interaction between structures and forces is predictable. The location and angle of the blades of a turbine affect its ability to harness the winds energy (minimize friction).

Grade 8 – SYSTEMS IN ACTION What have we learned? Production of electricity

is a system that has many effects on society.

• Systems are designed to accomplish tasks. Wind turbines have been designed to produce electricity.

• All systems include an input and an output. Harnessing wind is a clean energy alternative that is worth examining (both pros and cons).

• Systems are designed to optimize human and natural resources. Compare inputs and outputs of different methods of electricity generation (wind, solar, nuclear, coal, hydro, petroleum, geo-thermal).