Earth Day Studies: Wind Turbines & Speed Dials
In the past we have examined alternative energy sources such as water power, so this year we decided to study wind power, as we have a multitude of Wind Turbines in our neighbourhood. After sketching the turbines and writing poetry for Word Wednesday, the big kids set to create Speed Dials resembling large protractors, that measure wind speed.
Simply draw an oversized protractor with the help of a protractor to create accurate angles. Make a handle at the flat edge by folding over a piece of paper and inserting a ruler. Poke a hole in the center top to string a piece of thread. Attach a ping pong ball to the bottom. When the wind blows the ping pong ball, it will measure roughly how many miles/km per hour with a conversion chart (courtesy of Teaching Green The Middle Years).
kWind turbine
Helpful, strong
Spinning, powering, energizing
Lighting up the town
Energy giver
~Cinquin Poem
Three blades very tall
Creates electricity
Spins by wind power.
~Haiku