Education
Weather Watch: Wind Turbines
What happens?
Visitors can create their own wind turbines by attaching blades in different shapes and sizes onto freely rotating turbine hubs. They can then turn on the fan (with the air flow passing through the turbines) and control its speed. Which blades make the best turbine?
How does it work?
The turbine hubs are connected to tachometers that indicate the rotation speeds by means of a vertical stack of LEDs as well as needle gauges. Visitors can try out different blades to try and improve their design. The airfoil design (like the wings on an airplane) is rounded on one side. Air moves faster over this rounded surface (creating low air pressure) then over the flat surface. The low pressure suck the blade downwind, making the turbine turn. Visitors should consider aerodynamics and size of the baldes when trying them out.
Why is it important?
Wind turbines are an important alternative power, harnessing the wind’s energy. This exhibit can heighten awareness of climate change and the need for renewable energy.
How does it relate to the primary curriculum?
KS2 - The world around us
Children can develop their numeracy skills (comparison), and their knowledge and understanding of:
- The way we live (weather and the environment – the effect of changing weather on wind turbine efficiency)
- Movement (forces and energy – force of the wind, and the conversion of wind energy to other forms - and design and inventions – wind turbines)
- Our world (local habitats - the effect of wind turbines)
How does it relate to the post-primary curriculum?
KS3 - Knowledge, understanding and skills
Visitors can ….
- Planning: from comparative observations, plan an investigation to determine the most effective blade configuration
- Practical and equipment skills: vary parameters to enhance the performance of the turbine
- Science - Forces and energy: experience the application of forces and energy
- Technology and design – Design: relate blade design to the efficiency of energy conversion
- Geography - Physical / human interrelationships: learn about wind as a form of renewable energy
KS3 - Objectives and key elements
- Employability: find out about engineering related to energy conversion
- Economic awareness: learn that wing is a useful renewable source of energy
- Sustainable development: appreciate that energy can be converted through simple, local technology
What thinking skills are involved?
Understanding the situation (gather information, identify factors in the situation), Using evidence (compare the effectiveness of different types of blade, relate case and effect), Realising an outcome (build an effective turbine), Evaluating the outcome (identify possible modifications for improvement)
What learning styles are involved?
Spatial, Logical / Mathematical / Analytical