From the Windmill to the Wind turbine
Description
The students learn about two wind machines, the Windmill and the wind turbine. Then explore their mechanisms and their usefulness for humans. Finally, they make their models with simple classroom materials.
Learning objectives
They are developing positive attitudes toward engineering and science.
Connect engineering with students’ experiences.
Suggested age group
2nd Grade
Time
45 minutes
Fields in S.T.E.A.M.
Sciences
Mechanics
Materials
1 square piece of paper
Scissors
One straw
One pushpin
Playdough
Steps
1
The students describe windmills, recall images they may have from their experience, and discover how they might work.
2
Then students learn about the internal mechanism of the Windmill. Especially the connection of the shafts with the gears enables the grain grinding.
3
Accordingly, students learn about the internal part of the wind turbine, where the electricity is stored.
4
Following the instructions, the students make their wind machines.
5
These constructions rotate just like wind turbines and windmills. Finally, the students understand the use of wind energy in engineering.
