Build a Wind Turbine

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this activity, learners will:
  • Record the amount of voltage produced by varying wind speeds
  • Evaluate the wind turbine design

Curriculum Connections

Alberta
Science 7: Heat and Temperature
Science 9: Electrical Principles and Technologies
Science 10: Energy Flow in Technological Systems
Science 24: Understanding Common Energy Conversion Systems
Science 20-4: Understanding Common Energy Conversion Systems
Science 30: Energy and the Environment (D1.4, D1.5k, D1.3s, D2.3k, D2.4k, D2.1sts, D2.3s, D2.4s)

Ontario
Science & Technology 6: Electricity and Electrical Devices  (1.1)
Science & Technology 7: Heat in the Environment (1.2)
Science 9: The Characteristics of Electricity (Academic)  (E1.2)
  • Electrical Applications (Applied) (E1.1)

Environmental Science 11: Scientific Solutions to Contemporary Environmental Changes (U/C Preparation) (B1.2)
  • Conversion of Energy (U/C Preparation) (F1.1)
  • Energy Conservation (Workplace Preparation) (D1.2)

Physics 11: Electricity and Magnetism (F1.2)
Physics 12: Energy Transformation (E1.1, E1.2)
Chemistry 12: Energy Changes and Rates of Reactions (D1.1)

Length of Activity

2 hours

Materials List

  • Internet-enabled device
  • Wind Turbine Construction Plan
  • Wind Turbine Learner Worksheet
  • Materials to build the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (one turbine for every four learners) as outlined in the Construction Plan
  • Construction Plan
  •  One voltmeter for each group
  • One fan or blow dryer for each group

Online Lesson Format