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Wind energy science for the classroom
This session is part of the North American Association of Environmental Education's 2010 annual conference.
Building: Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center (BNCC), Room: 101-G
Author: Andy Lueth (KidWind)
Summary:
This workshop will introduce teachers to the science and engineering behind wind energy – sharing ideas and lesson plans on how to teach about wind energy concepts in K-12 classrooms. Attendees will experiment with classroom wind turbines and measure power output.
The KidWind Project is a team of teachers, engineers and scientists committed to innovative energy education. Our goal is to promote the beauty of wind power through affordable tools and training programs that challenge, engage and inspire students of all ages. Over the past four years we have held over 200 workshops in 37 states training over 4,000 teachers. This workshop will consist primarily of hands-on wind energy science experiments. Attendees will learn to build simple classroom wind turbines and conduct inquiry-based science experiments with wind power. Teachers will design turbine blades, exploring variables such as blade shape, blade size, blade pitch (angle), number of blades, and blade material. Each variable drastically affects the amount of electrical power a wind turbine will produce. Power will be measured, then used in various load applications such as lighting bulbs, pumping water, and/or electrolyzing water in a fuel cell. Teachers will also learn the basics of wind energy technology through a short yet informative slide show presentation, covering the following topics: - Why teach wind power in K-12 classrooms? - What curriculum/lesson plans are available? - History of Wind Power - Modern wind turbines – How do they work? - Current state of the U.S. Wind Industry - Key issues facing wind power - Hands-on wind energy science activities - Standards addressed Teachers will leave this workshop with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement wind energy science lessons and activities in their classrooms. Curricular documents will be provided.
- Intended audience
- K-12 teachers
- Date and time
- 09:30 AM to 10:50 AM, 2010-10-02
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- Web link
- http://www.naaee.org/conference
- City
- Buffalo
- State or Province
- NY
- Country
- USA