Who says toys can't be educational? The fourth of five parts in the Solar Updraft Towers unit has scholars create toys that run on solar and wind energy. The devices need to be solar updraft towers that can be placed on a warm surface and utilize thermal energy to power a turbine.

Concepts

wind energy, solar energy, engineering design, thermal energy, convection currents, wind turbines, energy transformation

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Instructional Ideas

• Have a presentation session where groups show off their devices
• Encourage pupils to review their observations table from the demonstrations in the second lesson
  

Classroom Considerations

• Learners should have knowledge of wind turbines from the previous activity

Pros

• Includes a printable worksheet
  
• Fosters teamwork and creativity
  

Cons

• None