In this activity, students will learn about the wind, how wind turbines work, and why it’s important to know how fast and frequently the wind tends to blow in an area before installing wind turbines there. Students will then construct a simple anemometer and use it to collect data on wind speed around their school. Students will analyze their wind speed data, and consider how the local environment affects wind speed and siting decisions.
The Details
Materials
- Chart paper, space on the board, or table for presentation on a smart board or projector in order to record student data for the class
- Materials to test and measure windspeed
- 3-4 Different fans (if testing or demonstrating how to test indoors)
- Handheld digital anemometer (approximately $15-see image)
- Student worksheet
- 1 Pencil (new, not sharpened)
- 5 Paper snow cone cups (see image)
- Note: small paper cups (e.g., “Dixie ® ” cups) can also work for this activity, but will be slightly more difficult to use
- 1 Straight pin (T-pin or quilting pin)
- 2 Extra-long straws
- Masking tape
- Hole punch
- Scissors
- Marker
- Ruler
Next Generation Science Standards
Cross-Cutting Concepts
- Cause & Effect
- Systems & System Models
Disciplinary Core Ideas
- ESS3.A Natural Resources
- ETS1.B Developing Possible Solutions
Learning Objectives
- Explain how wind arises as a natural weather phenomenon that occurs on Earth
- Identify features on Earth that can impact wind speed and direction such as landforms, surface materials, and manufactured structures
- Recognize that wind can be measured and harnessed by wind turbines to generate electricity
- Describe how the ability to measure and predict wind activity using data helps inform where wind turbines should be located, or sited
