Challenge Goals
The KidWind Challenge is a hands-on design competition where student teams showcase their small-scale wind turbines and solar homes.
Each year thousands of students design and test their own wind turbines and solar homes, fostering curiosity, developing STEM skills, and preparing for future careers in clean energy.
KidWind has grown into a global network with programming in over 38 U.S. states and partners internationally, supporting teachers with training, curriculum, and community, all with a small, dedicated staff.
To get students excited about the promise and opportunities of clean energy and its relationship to global climate change;
To foster opportunities for students to build, test, explore, and understand clean energy technology at a manageable scale;
To get all students—particularly girls and underrepresented populations—excited about careers in fields related to clean energy;
To build the capacity of teachers, coaches, and other educators to better understand clean energy technology and development, as well as its promise and limitations;
To connect students to meaningful pathways and diverse representations in the clean energy workforce.
Online Challenges
The online challenge allows students to construct and test wind turbines and/or solar homes, and share the results with the KidWind community. Anyone, anywhere, can participate online.
In-Person Challenges
Student teams test their wind turbines and solar homes in a wind tunnel or under a solar array. Teams meet with a panel of judges to present their design process and demonstrate their contextual knowledge of clean energy. Students also engage in Instant Challenges to gauge their on-the-spot teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Organizers across the US and world host around 50 in-person KidWind Challenges each year. Check out our map & find an event near you!
Find a Challenge
Challenge Resources for Organizers & Educators!
Simulation Challenge
The Simulation Challenge allows students from all over the United States to explore wind turbine blade and wind farm design in a game-like environment. We help teachers and students creatively explore the science, technology and implications of a world powered by clean energy.
For a low cost, students have the opportunity to try Flinn Scientific's WhiteBox Learning simulation software to construct and test virtual turbines and wind farms. All you need is an internet-connected computer!
Learn More
Art Challenge
KidWind invited students from kindergarten through 8th grade across the United States to submit artwork on the theme “Beautiful Wind Energy.”
Learn More