Sam explains wind energy
Evan explains a wind turbine and how it converts and generates electricity
Lesson Plan:
PART 1: With your partner, learn and review how to generate electricity.
What are Alternative Energy Sources? (They are called "Alternative: because they are alternative sources to burning fossil fuels! We need to use alternatives because we are using coal and oil faster than it can be remade AND when we burn fossil fuels, it releases CO2, causing our atmosphere to thicken up and trap more heat. We have to slow down Climate Change!
How to Generate Electricity
How to generate electricity video Energy 101 video
Energy 101: Electric Generation
Alternative Energy Intro
What are alternative energy sources? Nat Geo
PART 2: Now research how to generate electricty using WIND.
Take a look at these articles, videos, and pictures to understand how WIND can turn a magnet in a generator:
Wind Energy
Required Links:
Energy 101: Wind Energy
Wind Turbines
Interactive Infographic, How Wind Turbines Work
Infographic, Wind Energy in America
How do wind turbines generate electricity
Wind Energy Facts
Optional Links:
How do Wind Turbines Work? (advanced)
Texas- leading Wind Energy State
Diagram, Wind turbine size comparison
Images:
Google Image Search, Wind Turbine Farms
Google Image Search, Wind Turbine 18 Wheeler
Google Image Search, Wind Turbine Person
Google Image Search, Wind Turbine Cross Section
PART 3: Let's try to better understand generators. First copy the notes on magnets and generators. Then review these links to help you better understand.
Inside a Wind Turbine is a generator.
How do generators work? start at :28 (also difference between motors and generators)
How to make a simple generator THIS IS VERY HELPFUL!
What is a magnet (since there is a spinning magnet in a generator)
Magnetism explained
What's inside a wind turbine_ (advanced)
Part 4: Design your own wind turbine. Be creative and think about effective wind turbines. Where would you build it? How would you build it? Make sure to show inside your turbine HOW a generator works (with a drawing and lables). Also make sure you have a complete circuit with the wire. Use the project description & rubric that was passed out to you as a guide and check off the required elements as you go.
Fun Ideas and creative wind turbines around the world:
Unique Wind Turbines- check out some of these ideas before you think about your wind turbine
Very Creative Wind Turbines
Wind Energy Phone Chargers- creative way to use wind energy to charge your phone!
Micro Wind Turbines- tiny wind turbines!
This guy designed a floating city with wind turbines and solar panels- maybe something we will see in the future!?