Turbine Activity

Claymeir provides a series of activities that allow students to understand the connection between magnetism, electricity, and generators. Students are then challenged to apply what they kno... See More

Claymeir provides a series of activities that allow students to understand the connection between magnetism, electricity, and generators. Students are then challenged to apply what they know to use wind energy to produce an electric current. Students used K’nex to create turbines and test their models. A strength of this article are the pictures that make it easier to replicate the investigation. The NSTA connections, (Breezy Power Information Packet), and the project rubric at www.nsta.org/sc0907. Provide all of the resources and support material for student success. These materials are easily adaptable for all middle school students.

An important integration of science and tech!

This is a great idea and is authentic and hands-on. But, it's hard to believe their students went from magnets to electricity to motors to wind turbines (in a fairly in-depth manner) in onl... See More

This is a great idea and is authentic and hands-on. But, it's hard to believe their students went from magnets to electricity to motors to wind turbines (in a fairly in-depth manner) in only 5 hour-long class periods. These sorts of projects take much longer for my students to do, so readers beware. Having said that, it would be well worth the time, even if it were to more than 5 days, to explore these important, authentic, and relevant concepts! The supplementary material is really good, so don't forget to click on the link to get there!

Working with Wind Power

The article describes a lesson in which students research wind power. Students also complete scaffolding activities that help them understand the science behind how wind power is generated.... See More

The article describes a lesson in which students research wind power. Students also complete scaffolding activities that help them understand the science behind how wind power is generated. The article is fairly succinct and provides tips for classroom use.