Windmills are the ancient ancestors of modern wind turbines. To understand how wind turbines work, one must first understand a basic windmill. This lesson will help students understand how a windmill captures the energy of the wind and converts it into usable mechanical energy, which is the basis for understanding modern wind turbines. Students will use the engineering design process and the scientific method to design, build, test, and improve their models. This is approximately two class periods for 6-12 grade students.  This lesson is from the WindWise curriculum.
 
This kit includes:
Metal Rods or Long Dowels
PVC Tubing 1’ (blue & white)
4 x 6 Index cards
5 x 8 Index cards
Wooden Skewers
Roll of String
Plastic cups
Foam cylinders
Corks
T-Pins
Washers
Wood spools
Steped spools
Box of Straws
Tubing 10’ section 1/8 ID
Scotch tape
Masking tape
Brown lunch bags
 
Not Included:
Fan
Scissors
12-ounce paper cups
Staplers
Hot glue guns
Various simple tools
 
MODIFIED ACTIVITY:  For younger students.  Build a Mini Windmill to learn about how the wind can do work! Students use basic materials like paper plates and straws to construct a device that spins in the wind in order to lift weight. The Mini Windmill kit is an excellent way to help young students build a foundation to understand wind power.
 
Worksheets:
How does a Windmill Work?
MacGyver Design Brief
MacGyver Activity Guide
Mini-Windmill Activity Guide