How to Make a Small Simple Model of a Wind Turbine

Building a wind turbine model is an art project students will enjoy.

For a great way to teach children about wind power, have them build a small, simple model of a wind turbine. Wind energy is growing in popularity all around the world. The American Wind Energy Association suggests talking about it in class as a useful way to discuss other topics such as environmentalism, engineering, electricity and research techniques. Have your students build small model turbines with just a few basic supplies---a crafty way to pique their interest.

Things You'll Need

• Small DC toy motor
• Wooden ruler
• Rubber band
• 2 12-inch pieces of thin electrical wire
• Scissors
• Alligator clips
• Clear tape
• Six paper clips
• Wire cutters
• Thin cardboard
• Cork
• Voltmeter

Instructions

1. Place the small motor against the end of the ruler. Wrap the rubber band around the two of them to secure the motor in place.

2. Remove 5/8 inch of insulation from each end of both wires: Cut into the insulation carefully with the scissors. Do not squeeze hard enough to cut the wire inside. Pull toward the end of the wire, and the insulation will slide off.

3. Connect one end of each wire to the motor's outlet. Run the wires down the length of the ruler, and tape the ends to the bottom of the ruler with clear tape. Connect the alligator clips to the ends of the wires.

4. Unbend the outside end of the paperclips, and snip off half of the tail with the wire cutters. Cut out six pieces of cardboard, 1/2 nch by 1 1/2 inch each. Tape the cardboard to the paperclips so that the tail of the paperclip extends past the bottom of the cardboard. These pieces will serve as the turbine blades.

5. Stick the paperclip end of the turbine blades into the outside of the cork at equal intervals. Place them four-fifths of the way toward one end of the cork.

6. Stick the cork onto the motor's shaft with the end closest to the blades pointing away from the shaft. (The shaft should be in the exact center of the cork.)

7. Attach the alligator clips to the voltmeter.

Tips & Warnings

• Students can blow on the wind turbine, use a hair dryer or fan or take the wind turbine outside. When the wind blows enough to spin the turbine, the voltmeter will register the amount of energy produced.

References

• American Wind Energy Association: Wind Energy Teacher's Guide
• PBS: Wind Machine Instructions
• Other Power: Science Fair Wind Generators