MacGyver Wind Lift Design Challenge: Overview

MacGyver Wind Lift Design Challenge Overview

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.

Sample Unit Plans

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.

Pre-Challenge Knowledge

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.

Introduction to the Engineering Design Process

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.

Print an 8 1/2 x 11 poster of the Engineering Design Process diagram

Building the Turbine Blades

Before the Activity (teachers)

Pre-cut MacGyver Wind Lift supplies. View the How to Build a MacGyver Wind Lift Video and/or the MacGyver Building Tips & Troubleshooting Handout.
Collect sample blade building materials: scissors, tape/glue gun, other blade materials in additional to chipboard (provided in kit)
Divide class into groups of 2-3 students

With Students

As a class, ask the question, “How do engineers design wind turbines?” Brainstorm as a class.
Divide into blade building groups. Brainstorm blade design considering all variables. Make a list of variables to consider. Refer to this list throughout the engineering process.
Create blade prototype. Draw design and/or create a pattern. Arrange blades in hub.
Test initial design and record data.
Work with group to evaluate, redesign, test again. Repeat and collect data for trial #2.
Document your work on the student worksheet and with photos/video.

Student Worksheets

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.

Testing Set-Up, Safety & Troubleshooting

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.

Project Assessment

KEY Pre/Post Poll

Pre/Post Poll-Word

Pre/Post Poll-Google Doc

Pre/Post Poll-Google Form

Scoring Rubric

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.

Project Completion and Awards

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:

Best use of engineering design process
Creative or artistic use of materials
Outstanding group teamwork
Most creative video

Optional Opportunities:

Students can submit their projects to the MacGyver Portal. Share your projects with other schools…and see what other schools are doing. This year there is no limit on the number of projects you can enter. View the MacGyver project submission portal.

Ohio Learning Standards

View Standard Correlations for Grades 3-6 Science & Math

What are teachers saying?

I loved knowing that my machine produced power. It makes me feel strong, like I can do anything.

This was an awesome way to incorporate STEM and made the whole process pretty stress free for me as the teacher. The kids loved being able to work with materials and be creative!

A few years ago our school asked that at all grade levels our students be participating in STEM activities. This project was so easy to use and blended seamlessly with the focus on energy education that occurs in fourth grade.