Windy Things to Make
Topic: Wind Energy
Source: The Science Learning Network, The
Web Address:http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/units/energy/windtomake.html
Grade Levels: Adaptable to all ages
Learning Strategies: Project-based learning, interactive activities
Frameworks Connections:
Science and Technology/Engineering
• Earth and Space Science, Grades 3-5
Weather
• Earth and Space Science, Grade 9 or 10
1. Matter and Energy in the Earth System
2. The Earth's Sources of Energy• Physical Sciences, Grades 6-8
Motion of Objects
• Technology/Engineering, Grades 3-5
• Technology/Engineering, Grades 6-85. Construction Technologies
• Technology/Engineering, Grades 9-10
2. Construction Technologies
Cost: Free instructions
This website explores wind energy by constructing models of wind-related materials. Instructions are included for pinwheels, an anemometer, a wind direction indicator, and a windvane. Certain projects include background information, but may require some further outside reading to ensure that standard criteria are met. While there are no formal lesson plans for these explorations, the projects contain flexible directions and may be incorporated into any classroom at any level. The activities on this website are at a more primary science level but allow students to investigate wind energy in various inquiry-based ways. The website provides the teacher with a guide outlining approaches to the lessons and activities, but no student guides or worksheets are supplied.