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.
Teaching Tips
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
This 6-minute video presents an at-home or in-class activity in which you build a wind-powered machine that converts wind power (from your lungs) into mechanical lifting power. The necessary material and steps are clearly presented. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
4-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and that their uses affect the environment.
ETS1: Engineering Design
3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
PS3: Energy
4-PS3-4 Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
