Build a Wind-Powered Machine
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Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video provides a demonstration of how to build a simple wind-powered machine using a cup, pencil, string, tape, and piece of paper.
- Students will learn that the wind has been used for hundreds of years to power machines and that it continues to be a valuable source of clean energy today.
Subjects: Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution, Ingrid Zabel
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video introduces a fun, hands-on format for learning about wind energy that allows for student and teacher creativity.
Additional Prerequisites
- This resource provides the written directions for this activity, which can be downloaded or printed.
- A canned food item or paper cup can be used instead of a plastic cup and a rolled-up piece of paper will likely work better than a straw, as it is adjustable and it doesn't contribute to plastic pollution.
Differentiation
- Cross-curricular connections could be made with art classes, as students can add their own unique designs, colors, or artwork to the elevators and windmills.
- This video could be used as an introduction to an in-class project or could be watched in class and then assigned as an at-home project.
- Related assignments might include asking students to provide a written or oral summary of the steps of this project after watching, drawing a diagram of the project to demonstrate understanding, or responding to written prompts about the value of wind energy after watching the video.
- Other resources about renewable energy include this online course, this e-book by the Climate Reality Project, and this video by LabXchange.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Paleontological Research Institution
Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is a national leader in Earth systems science education. They strive to help make sense of the present and potential future climate change, while also increasing understanding of global change in Earth’s past. Their programs focus on systems thinking, understanding scale and learning in your own backyard.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
