When will a wind farm pay for itself? Individuals calculate the anticipated annual revenue for two proposed wind farms. By comparing the number of years it takes to pay back the initial investment, they determine which site makes the best economical sense for the company. 

Concepts

wind turbines, renewable energy sources, cost-benefit analysis

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Class members should be familiar with converting measurements and units
• For those that struggle with the calculations, give the units in the boxes to help cue what the factors are

Classroom Considerations

• Wind speed variability and power production graph may be difficult for some pupils to read
• The final lesson of a 19-part series

Pros

• Tables are provided in order to organize the information
• Wrap-up questions provide an opportunity for the class to apply what they have learned

Cons

• There is no individual assessment to check for understanding after the lesson

Common Core

6.RP.A.3.d 7.EE.B.3 HSN-Q.A.1 MP4 MP6