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Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse
Scale Models and Wind Turbines
Lesson Description:
As wind turbines and wind farms become larger to take advantage of the economies of scale and increased wind speeds at higher altitudes, Their impact in the locales where they are sited becomes more dramatic. One place this is especially contentious is in the offshore environment of the northeast. This lesson explores scale models and the issues surrounding models and their accuracy when developing a large wind farm. Worksheets are included.
As wind turbines and wind farms become larger to take advantage of the economies of scale and increased wind speeds at higher altitudes, Their impact in the locales where they are sited becomes more dramatic. One place this is especially contentious is in the offshore environment of the northeast. This lesson explores scale models and the issues surrounding models and their accuracy when developing a large wind farm. Worksheets are included.
Lesson Type:
- Other
Sustainability Topic:
- Energy
- Green Building
GEF Program Category:
- Green Building Program
Time Needed:
1-2 class periods
1-2 class periods
Standards Addressed:
National Standards: 5-8
National Standards: 9-12
National Standards: 5-8
- INT-A: 1.D. Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence.
- INT-A: 1.H. Use mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiry.
- INT-E: 2.F. Perfectly designed solutions do not exist. all technological solutions have trade-offs, such as safety, cost, efficiency, and appearance. risk is part of living in a highly technological world. reducing risk often results in new technology.
National Standards: 9-12
- SEC-A: 2.D. Mathematics is essential in scientific inquiry.
- SEC-F: 6.C. Individuals and society must decide on proposals involving new research and the introduction of new technologies into society.
Materials Needed:
- Handouts included
- 5-10 model turbines (or you can use pictures that that you make)
- cardboard green blue and brown paint
- meter sticks
- 100m Tape Measure
- Images of Turbines
- Readings about Cape Wind and other offshore and onshore siting debates for wind farms
- Student Worksheet
- A number of scale model items: Ken, Barbie or other dolls of varying size, model airplanes, matchbox cars and model cars of maps at different scale
Submitted By:
GEF on Behalf of Energy Education and Workforce Development
GEF on Behalf of Energy Education and Workforce Development
School or Group:
GEF
GEF
Contact Email:
service@greeneducation.com
service@greeneducation.com
Notes:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/education/lessonplans/plans.aspx?id=293
http://www.eere.energy.gov/education/lessonplans/plans.aspx?id=293
Located in: Math
