Pinwheels

I am intrigued by this activity and would like to include this in my summer school activities. I will try out the pinwheel designs myself first and then see what happens. Looks like a pote... See More

I am intrigued by this activity and would like to include this in my summer school activities. I will try out the pinwheel designs myself first and then see what happens. Looks like a potential 5 star activity!

Pinwheels

I am intrigued by this activity and would like to include this in my summer school activities. I will try out the pinwheel designs myself first and then see what happens. Looks like a pote... See More

I am intrigued by this activity and would like to include this in my summer school activities. I will try out the pinwheel designs myself first and then see what happens. Looks like a potential 5 star activity!

Going Around

This article describes in detail a lesson about comparing different types of windmills and extends the lesson to using small motors in conjunction with the windmills. The article gives a ni... See More

This article describes in detail a lesson about comparing different types of windmills and extends the lesson to using small motors in conjunction with the windmills. The article gives a nice background history of windmills. The lesson follows the 5E lesson plan outline.

Wind Turbines

I used this article with my middle school students when we were studying alternative energy resources. The students found it informative and useful for gaining understanding of how wind tur... See More

I used this article with my middle school students when we were studying alternative energy resources. The students found it informative and useful for gaining understanding of how wind turbines worked. They enjoyed the activity described where they created their own turbines, allowing them to test different variables.

5E Lesson on Energy and Environmental Science

This lesson plan idea is presented in the 5E learning cycle model. I like the overall inquiry provided within the lesson plan, and the lesson could be used to integrate environmental scienc... See More

This lesson plan idea is presented in the 5E learning cycle model. I like the overall inquiry provided within the lesson plan, and the lesson could be used to integrate environmental science with a lesson on energy. My only concerns would be the equipment required to conduct the lab – box fans for each lab group and the other materials could be quite costly at first. However, once purchased, the box fans and most of the equipment could be used year after year. I am considering trying this lab with my students, and I will report back my results.

Reusing the Old to Create Something New

Students in this 5E model lesson explore an old design of the windmill which has undergone technological changes to produce today’s energy generating windmills to produce electricity. While... See More

Students in this 5E model lesson explore an old design of the windmill which has undergone technological changes to produce today’s energy generating windmills to produce electricity. While students may not find this directly related to them this is certainly a part of societies efforts to produce relatively inexpensive and non-petroleum based energy. Students using a pinwheel apply different designs to accomplish a specific task. Students can also be challenged to come up with an original way to test their designs. Using simple everyday supplies students learn how engineers tackle design and testing of designs. This is a great learning experience for middle school students.

Windmills are going round again

My classes have been using Wind Turbines in the Classroom for several years now. I have found it to be one of the best Units of study that they engage in all year. This article perfectly com... See More

My classes have been using Wind Turbines in the Classroom for several years now. I have found it to be one of the best Units of study that they engage in all year. This article perfectly complements what is already done in my classroom. In order to teach about energy transformation (the main focus of my wind turbine unit), the history and concept of how a wind machine works is important to develop. This article succeeds in addressing all of the issues that are needed to teach this relevant, hands-on, and exciting topic. There are explainations, history/background, and examples of how you can use it in your classroom. I highly suggest it for any teacher wanting an activity that adds to and leads to several other topics besides what is already suggested.