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It’s no secret, STEM is here to stay. With increasing opportunities in academia, industry, and even entrepreneurship, we know it’s important to instill the foundational skills of STEM in the change-makers of tomorrow. Check out our STEM Design Challenge offerings below to bring a study of energy through STEM practice to your classroom.
Get wild about wind! The elementary wind challenge is a hands-on study of wind energy that tasks students in grades 3-6 to design their very own wind turbine. Using the engineering design process, students work in small groups to design an efficient turbine, learning all about this renewable energy source along the way.
The “problem” – We’ve got A LOT to lift! In this challenge, students are tasked with designing a wind turbine that can lift a cup of pennies–who can lift the most?
If you are ready to sign up, go ahead and follow the link below to register. If you want more information before committing, reach out to Rosey Vasquez at rvasquez@ohioenergy.org
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.
Upon completion of training video and email signature, OEP staff will invite you to join Canvas for access to all Elementary Wind STEM Design Challenge resources.
Teacher Evaluation available on Canvas
Must complete evaluation to receive teacher stipend.
Primary Resources
Elementary Resources
Intermediate Resources
These documents can also be downloaded at no-cost as PDF’s at need.org.
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 to provide light to his family’s home.
Elementary Resources:
Intermediate/Secondary Resources:
In partnership with KidWind, the secondary wind challenge is a hands-on study of wind energy tasking students in grades 7-12 to design a wind turbine using the engineering design process.
The “problem” – How do we maintain maximum power? Let’s explore by designing, building, testing, analyzing, and refining our turbines.
If you are ready to sign up follow the link below to register. If you want more information before committing, reach out to Rosey Vasquez at rvasquez@ohioenergy.org for more!
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.
Upon completion of training video and email signature, OEP will staff you invite you to join Canvas for access to all STEM Design resources.
Teacher Evaluation available on Canvas
Must complete evaluation to receive teacher stipend.
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.
Harry C. Moores Foundation
Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
