Build a Wind-Powered Machine

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.