Renewable Power Project: Model Wind Turbine Circuit (Virtual)

Description

Description: This project guides students through planning a simple wind‑turbine concept and the circuit it powers using a safe, browser-based environment. Learners begin by reviewing energy transformations from wind to mechanical to electrical. They will choose blade shapes and angles in the simulator and observe output changes on a virtual meter. They will connect the turbine to a small LED circuit and test brightness versus rotational speed. They will record data, graph results, and write a concise conclusion aligned to the rubric. They will explore resistors as load and understand why too much resistance dims the light while too little can overload components in real life. They will create a one‑slide design summary with an image, data table, and claim–evidence–reasoning statement. They will propose a classroom display or science fair poster using provided templates. They will consider real-world constraints like variability of wind and the role of energy storage. They will present to peers using a short script that highlights trade-offs. They will submit their files for feedback and revise at least one element based on comments. They will leave with a polished mini‑portfolio entry ready for assessment.
Format: Virtual turbine and circuit simulator, data sheets, graph templates, poster and slide templates, and rubrics.
Duration: 3–4 class periods, including presentation time.
What You’ll Learn: Energy conversions; simple generation; load effects; experimental design; communicating technical results.
Target Audience: Middle to secondary students participating in STEM projects or science fairs with a renewable energy focus.