KidWind

A hands-on study of wind energy, KidWind is a program that empowers students in grades 7-12 to work in teams using the engineering design process. Tasked to design a wind turbine that produces maximum power, students are challenged to design, build, test, and improve turbine blades all the while learning more behind the science of this renewable energy source. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this classroom program. 

Classroom Benefits

  • Comprehensive curriculum, materials, and ongoing support – all at no charge.
  • Essential resources, including lesson plans, activities, and lab materials that engage and excite students.
  • Stipends for teachers upon completion of program requirements. 

How it Works

  • Follow the link below to register for this 2022-23 school year. Teachers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. 
  • Upon registering, OEP will mail all curriculum and supplies directly to your school at no cost. 
  • Upon receiving your kit, we welcome you to implement KidWind as you see fit–with your whole class, energy team, or science club–during the 2022-23 school year. 
    • OEP recommends implementing the program with a group size of about 2 students across 3-6 class periods (time will be variable depending on grade and course). 
  • After finishing the program, you will need to complete a post-program teacher evaluation, complete with project photos and videos, documenting how you used the resources in the classroom.
  • Upon completion of the above requirements, a stipend will be sent. 
Register Now

KidWind Classroom Resources

Note: OEP recognizes participating schools will be implementing the program in different formats. Some will use it with their energy team or science club. Others may be implementing with an entire class. Our goal is to provide maximum flexibility in implementing the Challenge while at the same time providing adequate support. 

 

Lesson Resources:

  • Kid Wind Unit Plan

Video Resources:

  • Turbine Set Up 

 

 

Teacher Evaluation 

Must complete evaluation to receive your stipend by the required date. The evaluation requires photo documentation.

 

Any project will require a team photo and the student’s datasheet. If your student does not have a signed photo release, do not include them in the photo. 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, is the true story of William Kamkwamba. William was 14 when he was forced to drop out of school because his family was unable to pay his tuition. Using his own ingenuity, a book from the library and scrap materials, he built a wind turbine provide light to his family’s home. 

 

Intermediate/Secondary Resources:

OEP is proud to partner with KidWind on our design challenges. View their website.

 

KidWind’s WindWise curriculum may be helpful for students who want to futher their learning on a particular topic. Lessons listed below can be downloaded separately. 

 

View Learning Standards for Grades 7 & 8, Physical Science, Physics, Physical Geology & Environmental Science

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