Young Scientists Explore the Power of Wind
By Betsy Fradd
WSU Extension 4-H
Blowing into pinwheels became a lot more than child’s play for budding engineers eager to learn more about wind power. Nearly one-thousand youth from Washington State took part in the fourth annual 4-H National Youth Science Day in early October to explore how to create sustainable and clean sources of energy. Using paper cups, tape and sticks students built model turbines during the Wired for Wind experiment.
A student experiments with her own wind power during the 2011 National Youth Science Day.
“I liked working in a team to design the wind blades and making changes to see what would happen,” said 13-year old Philip of Puyallup. “I’ve seen the turbines along the Columbia River and it was interesting to make a smaller model and get an idea of how they work.”
Students explored blade pitch variables and tested them by attaching a motor and a voltage meter. A fan blew on the model turbines to show how much energy was produced.
“Harnessing and utilizing sustainable renewable energy sources is becoming more important as we strive to help preserve our natural resources,” said Linda McLean, WSU Colville Reservation-Ferry County Extension Educator. “Educating our youth helps ensure precious resources are managed and cared for by many generations to come.”
Students also determined the best locations for wind farms by calculating wind power and studying wind data and maps.
4-H National Youth Science Day is designed to spark an early interest in science and help youth gain necessary technical skills to compete in the global marketplace. In an effort to combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science college majors and careers 4-H is reaching out to one million youth in science, engineering, and technology programs nationally by 2013.
Posted October 2011
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