How Does a Windmill Work?

Students will construct small windmill models that convert wind energy into mechanical energy by lifting weights. This lesson teaches students the fundamental parts of a windmill, how to test variables using the scientific method, and how energy conversions take place.

The Details

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Grades
6-8
9-12
Time Required
2 class periods

Materials

  • 1 Small electric fan
  • 1 3/8″ Wooden dowel (16″ long)
  • 1 Piece of 1/2″ PVC pipe (10″ long)
  • 4-8 Index cards (4″ x 6″)
  • 4 Wooden shish kebab skewers (10″ long)
  • 4 Feet of string
  • 1 12oz Paper deli cup
  • 1 Foam cylinder
  • 1 Cork
  • 4 Straight pins of T-pins
  • Clear Scotch Tape (18″)
  • Scissors
  • 15 Steel washers
  • Student reading passages and worksheets
  • Staplers
  • Various simple tools (pliers, screwdriver, etc.)

Next Generation Science Standards

Cross-Cutting Concepts

  • Cause & Effect
  • Energy & Matter
  • Disciplinary Core Ideas

  • ETS1.A Defining & Delimiting an Engineering Problem
  • PS2.A Forces & Motion
  • PS2.B Types of Interactions
  • PS3.C Relationship Between Energy & Forces
  • Learning Objectives

    • Know the fundamental parts of a windmill
    • Be able to use scientific method to isolate and adjust variables in a model windmill
    • Understand energy conversions/transfers and how a windmill converts moving air into usable mechanical energy