The 20th lesson in a 21-part series connects the wind data and expectations of a turbine to whether such devices should be built in your area. Scholars begin with estimating the wind potential at school by using long-term climate data before comparing the cost of buying and installing the turbine to determine if it would be better or worse for the area.

Concepts

wind energy, renewable energy sources, wind speed, altitude, wind turbines, vegetation, capacity

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Map the areas on another continent that would benefit from wind energy
• Visit a wind farm or watch a tour of a wind farm online

Classroom Considerations

• Requires prior knowledge of wind speed and kinetic energy

Pros

• Aligns to the National Science Education Standards, National Education Technology Standards, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Education Standards, Climate Literacy Principles, and Energy Literacy Principles
• Offers technology tips for the programs used
• Includes links to many resources for before, during, and after the lesson

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.7