New to OEP’s Design Challenge? View the full outline and project overview below.
Ready to get started? Link to the full list of lessons, student worksheets, videos and more.
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. We also understand every school has unique safety procedures regarding Covid and hands-on science. Our goal is to provide maximum flexibility in implementing the challenge while providing adequate support. Using a Sample Unit Plan is not a requirement. They are only provided to help with your planning. Sample 2-Lesson or 4-Lesson Unit Plan.
Students should have a general understanding of the sources of energy and how they are used to generate electricity. Additionally, students will utilize the scientific method to test their hypothesis and evaluate their results.
Wind 101 teacher lesson and How Do Turbines Work? (video) could be helpful resources introducing the science of wind energy.
OEP recommends the resources at TeachEngineering.org as a basic background to the process. The link includes a 1:47 minute video introducing the design process.
Try this quick icebreaker to introduce the engineering design process to your students.
Before the Activity (teachers)
With Students
Elementary Student Worksheet (no calculations)
Intermediate Student Worksheet (speed calculation)
Extension Activity: Penny Power (power calculation)
Want to use the student datasheet in Word or Google Document? Click to view other formats.
Safety is a primary concern when testing your turbine blades. NEVER use metal or any sharp-edged material as they could cause injury while spinning fast during testing. It is important to wear safety goggles when testing the blades. Refer to OEP’s videos and teacher handout Building Tips & Trouble Shooting.
Pre/Post Poll-Word
Pre/Post Poll-Google Doc
Pre/Post Poll-Google Form
The grading rubric is included for evaluation if you are giving your students a grade for the project. The scores will not be asked on the final teacher evaluation or online project submissions.
To receive a stipend, you will need to complete the teacher evaluation. The evaluation requires photo and video documentation. You can choose how you do this; either submit a single project or a compilation of projects. You will also have the option to nominate two projects for special awards (listed below). Any projects submitted for special awards will require a team photo, video and the students’ datasheet. More information will be provided on the judging criteria.
Teacher Nominated Awards:
Optional Opportunities: