Description
Build and refine a design for a wind turbine in the classroom and analyze constraints while evaluating sites for a proposed wind turbine. In this series of 3 investigations, students investigate a solution to reduce the environmental impacts of current energy production techniques, like burning fossil fuels. They build a model wind turbine, refine the design to improve function, analyze data about proposed sites and turbines, and then use the evidence to prepare an argument about whether the specific wind turbine should be installed at the site.
Curriculum Connection
While designed for a stand-alone earth science course, this series of activities could be incorporated into a high school physics course as students study energy transformations or alternative energy.
Time Requirements
Teacher prep, approximately 30 minutes. Completing the activities, approximately 1 week (210 minutes).
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectation(s)
HS-ESS3-4. Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS-ETS1-3. Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Crosscutting Concepts
Energy and Matter
Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions
Science and Engineering Practices
Designing Solutions
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with the law of conservation of energy and the transformation of energy between forms.