Single SKU: 1823-12
10 Pack SKU: 1823-13
Design a turbine to harness the power of the wind and convert it into electricity. This STEM | STEAM | Maker project is truly green engineering. Start with your example build, testing through inquiry and experimentation. Then, iterate new designs and additions to transform the wind turbine into your own unique design.
Create the blades utilizing recycling bin materials. Adjust the angle, pitch and amount of blades to observe the electrical output of your wind turbine. We included plenty of extra components to try different designs.
Use a multimeter and alligator clip leads to measure the electrical output of your wind turbine.
This activity is a favorite for kitchen table innovation, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, universities, scout troops, camps, 4-H groups, and maker spaces. It's a wonderful activity for parents, grandparents or teachers to work on with their kids.
Mini Wind Turbine Activity Document Downloads
Get Started with the Build Guide
Completing the
Mini Wind Turbine Activity
with Ages 6-11
For ages 12 and up, click here
If you are working with ages 6-11, you can choose how to complete the Mini Wind Turbine Activity.
- Choice #1 Without Labs: Go straight from the Build Guide to the Engineering Challenge, skipping the Optional Lab. This option works well when you’re doing the activity outside of a classroom, in a Makerspace, as a self-directed activity, or just for fun.
- Choice #2 With Labs: Start with the Build Guide. After the build, an Optional Lab is available to learn more about rotors and the effect on turbine output voltage. Once finished, move on to improve your design in the Engineering Challenge. This option works well when you want to teach this activity to a class or during a class visit to a Makerspace.
MS Word or PDF - Which document format should you download? Always download the PDF document, unless you want to edit/change it. If you want to edit/change the document, download the MS Word (Microsoft Word™) version.
Build Guide
Start by building the mini wind turbine 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.
Optional Lab
- Mini Wind Turbine Lab: PDF or MS Word-- Your Mini Wind Turbine is built. Explore how changing the blade configurations will affect your turbine output. (Suggested Grade Levels: 4-5)
Engineering Challenge
- Design & Engineering Challenge: : PDF or MS Word -- It’s time to take what you know about Mini Wind Turbines and take it to the next level. Create a turbine with the greatest output in this Engineering Challenge.
Completing the
Mini Wind Turbine Activity
with Ages 12 and Up
If you are working with ages 6-11, you can choose how to complete the Mini Wind Turbine Activity.
- Choice #1 Without Labs: Go straight from the Build Guide to the Engineering Challenge, skipping the Optional Lab. This option works well when you’re doing the activity outside of a classroom, in a Makerspace, as a self-directed activity, or just for fun.
- Choice #2 With Labs: Start with the Build Guide. After the build, an Optional Lab is available to learn more about rotors and the effect on turbine output voltage. Once finished, move on to improve your design in the Engineering Challenge. This option works well when you want to teach this activity to a class or during a class visit to a Makerspace.
MS Word or PDF - Which document format should you download? Always download the PDF document, unless you want to edit/change it. If you want to edit/change the document, download the MS Word (Microsoft Word™) version.
Build Guide
Start by building the mini wind turbine 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.
Optional Lab
- Mini Wind Turbine Lab: PDF or MS Word-- Your Mini Wind Turbine is built. Explore how changing the blade configurations will affect your turbine output. (Suggested Grade Levels: 4-5)
Engineering Challenge
- Design & Engineering Challenge: : PDF or MS Word -- It’s time to take what you know about Mini Wind Turbines and take it to the next level. Create a turbine with the greatest output in this Engineering Challenge.
Mini Wind Turbine Videos
TeacherGeek Tools You'll Need
What tools will you need to do this activity?
Process Description |
Recommended Tool |
Alternate Tool |
Cutting a wooden dowel |
Saw, Pruning Shears, Etc. |
|
Tighten a screw |
None |
|
Measure output voltage |
|
None |
Connecting the multimeter to the wind turbine |
Alligator Clip Leads |
Wire |
Sets of tools can be found here.
Make your Mini Wind Turbine even better by incorporating recycling bin material.
Mini Wind Turbine Components
What's in the Mini Wind Turbine Activity?
Component: | 10pk Quantity: | Single Quantity: |
Dowels | 20 | 3 |
5/8" Screws | 10 | 1 |
Hex Nuts | 10 | 1 |
Hole Plates | 10 | 1 |
Perpendicular Blocks | 20 | 2 |
Mini Hub Assembly | 10 | 1 |
Motors | 10 | 1 |
Mini Motor Mounts | 10 | 1 |
Skewer Sticks | 100 | 10 |
Mini Hub Screws | 10 | 1 |
This is an educational product and not a toy. It is intended for use by ages 9 and above with adult supervision.
Science, Math & Engineering Standards
TeacherGeek products fit proposals, grants or lesson plans with ease! Explore more resources below:
Next Generation Science StandardsNGSS Standards Download - PDF
NGSS Standards Spreadsheet - Editable /Searchable Excel Sheet
International Technology & Engineering Educators' Association Standards
ITEEA Standards Download - PDF
ITEEA Standards Spreadsheet - Editable/Searchable Excel Sheet