At a Glance: Students construct a working model of a wind generator and test it by placing it in a moving airstream.
Concepts: Students learn how wind energy is converted into mechanical energy then into electrical energy. They can discuss how wind energy has been used in the past and present and how it might be used in the future.
Details: After cutting out card-stock blades, students use glue to attach them to wood parts to construct the blade assembly. The laser-cut base parts are assembled with glue to form a freestanding windmill tower.
A small, round motor is placed on the stand and secured with a wide rubber band. The blade assembly is placed on the motor post. When the tower is placed before a fan, the propeller turns, generating electricity that lights the bulb.
At a Glance: Students construct a working model of a wind generator and test it by placing it in a moving airstream.
