Wind Pump, Wind Turbine/Mill Activity

This activity is not for sale. It has been replaced with the updated Wind Pump 2.0 .

 

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.

Click here to go to the Wind Pump 2.0 page! (You're in the wrong place.)

You're in the right place! Scroll down to find documents and resources.

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.


Completing the

Wind Pump, Wind Turbine/

Mill Activity

with Ages 12 and Up

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     

Electromagnet For Fun Build Guide 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

 

 

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.

 

    TeacherGeek Tools You'll Need

    What tools will you need to do this activity?

    Process

    Process Description

    Recommended Tool 

    Alternate Tool

    Cutting

    Cutting dowels, strips, recycling bin items, etc.

    Multi-Cutter

    Saw, Pruning Shears

    Reaming

    Change splined holes in components from press fit (dowels press and stay) to loose fit (dowels are able to slide and rotate).

    Reamer

    #3 Drill Bit and Drill

    Screwing

    Tighten and loosen screws

    Screwdriver

    None

    Holding and Pulling

    Hold nuts, pull apart components

    Pliers

    None

    Sets of tools can be found here.
     

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

    Wind Pump Components

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

    Component: 10pk Quantity: Single Quantity:
    13ml Cylinder Barrel 10 1
    13ml Cylinder Plunger 10 1
    13ml Cylinder Piston 10 1
    #6 x 1/2in Truss Head Screws 30 3
    300mm-Slide Stop Material 3 1/3 (100mm)
    #10 Hex Nuts 80 8
    #10 Fender Washers 40 4
    10-24x1 Screws 40 4
    #10 Locking Hex Nuts 10 2
    10-24x2 Screws 20 2
    Clips 60 6
    Wheels 20 2
    Perpendicular Blocks 20 2
    Check Valves 20 2
    T-Connectors 10 1
    5mmx300mm Dowels  120 12
    Vinyl  Tubing 100ft. 1 1
    Hole Plates 20 2
    40pcs Mixed Gear Set 1 4pc (one of each size)

     

    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 Standards
    NGSS 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