A wind turbine is essentially just a giant pinwheel, right? Individuals first create pinwheels from paper, pins, and pencils. In groups, they model a wind farm along a coast and then test out their designs using an electric fan.

Concepts

engineering design, wind energy, wind turbines, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• If possible, take learners on a field trip to a wind farm

Classroom Considerations

• Pupils should be familiar with wind power
• Activity requires a variety of materials, including a small electric fan

Pros

• Contains very detailed instructions for the activity
• Includes guiding questions for discussion

Cons

• None