This discontinued product has been updated to the Wind Pump 2.0 which allows for even more builds and innovation! Check your label to make sure you're on the correct page.

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The Wind Pump harnesses the energy created from wind to pump water. The wind-driven turbine powers a geared transmission that operates a hydraulic pump. This will move water from one level up to another. You will apply many scientific concepts such as calculating work, fluid mechanics, simple machines and aerodynamics.  A stand is necessary. You can purchase either the Bench or Wind Turbine Stand or make one of your own. The blade materials is yours to procure - try recycling bin products like old cardboard or wood.

Note: You can also create a hand operated pump from these TeacherGeek components.

Note: The TeacherGeek Wind Pump activity no longer uses 20cc syringes in its build. The yellow 14mL cylinders work in much the same way, while remaining school-friendly. There is not cutting or assembly required for the 14mL cylinder - simply attach the piston with the hardware as outlined in the Build Guide and go!

When working on this activity, start with the Fluid Power Lab to understand the foundation of fluid dynamics and how pumps work. You are then ready to use the Wind Pump Build Guide and the Blade and Hub Construction Guide to construct your pump and the blades that work with it. Use the Wind Stand Build Guide as a model to house your Wind Pump, or build your own version from materials on hand.

     Optional Lab     

Explore the power behind fluid dynamics and creating mechanical advantage. (Suggested Grade Levels: 7-12)

• Fluid Power Lab (Imperial Units): PDF
• Fluid Power Lab Answer Key (Imperial Units): PDF --Password protected.

     Build Guide     

Start by creating an example Wind Lift using the Build Guide. This will be a great design to get you started. You’ll start to create your own amazing designs during the engineering challenges.

• Wind Pump Build Guide: PDF-- Build the Wind Pump with this Guide.
• Blade and Hub Construction Guide: PDF-- Once completed with the Wind Pump, build your blade and hub construction with this guide.

• Wind Stand Build Guide: MS Word -- Download the Guide to construct the base for your Wind Pump, or make your own.

     Optional Resources     

Download the TeacherGeek Engineering Notebook

Available at two different learning levels, the TeacherGeek Engineering Notebook is designed to help students cycle thru the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. It is recommended that extra pages are printed and on-hand during activities

 

• Simple Engineering Notebook:  PDF
• Engineering Notebook:  PDF
• ”Helica” Propeller Car (1924): YouTube Video
• Propeller Car on My Classic Car: YouTube Video

 

STEAM Market-It Challenge

Add the STEAM Market-It Challenge to any completed TeacherGeek activity to teach students how to turn their TeacherGeek design into a retail product. Students will learn the 4 'Ps' of marketing - Product, Placement, Price and Promotion. Students have the option of completing a commercial, a billboard or retail packaging as a summative assessment.

•  STEAM Market-It Challenge: PDF or MS Word

What tools will you need to do this activity?

Sets of tools can be found here.
 

Make your Wind Pump or Wind Turbine even better by incorporating recycling bin material.

What's in the Wind Pump, Wind Turbine/Mill Activity?

This is an educational product and not a toy. It is intended for use by ages 9 and above with adult supervision.