Renewable Energy
The following renewable energy projects offer exciting and engaging ways for students to explore and learn about alternative energy sources. From constructing solar sprint vehicles to designing and testing vertical turbine blades, students will develop critical skills in engineering, problem-solving, and creative thinking while gaining a deeper understanding of renewable energy principles. Whether building a geothermal heat pump or experimenting with 3D printing tidal turbines, these hands-on projects provide a unique opportunity for students to engage with sustainable technologies and contribute to a more sustainable future. (All pictures featured on this page represent the respective projects and are owned by Kidwind, Pitsco, & Kelvin Technology)
​Photovoltaic Phantoms: Solar Sprint Vehicles
Participating in the TSA's Junior Solar Sprint competition provides students with a unique opportunity to develop important technical and leadership skills as they design and build solar-powered model cars. Through the process of constructing a vehicle from scratch, students not only learn about solar energy and engineering principles, but also develop problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills that will serve them well in future academic and professional endeavors. Competing in the Junior Solar Sprint competition is an exciting and rewarding way for students to harness the power of the sun and drive their passion for STEM education forward.
Gone with the Wind: Wind Turbines for Power Generation
In this hands-on project, students get to explore the power of wind energy by constructing their own model wind turbines. Using PVC pipe, connectors, and other materials, students build a wind turbine generator and experiment with different blade designs to determine which configuration produces the most power. With the help of a multimeter, students measure the voltage generated by their turbines and use their findings to fine-tune their designs. This project not only teaches students about renewable energy and engineering principles, but also encourages creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Now We're Cooking with Syngas:
A Wood Gasifier Project
In this exciting project, students get hands-on experience with renewable energy by designing and building their own portable camp stove wood gasifier. Using tin cans and other found materials, students construct a stove that can efficiently convert solid biomass, such as wood pellets, into a combustible gas called syngas. The resulting hot flame can be used for cooking, boiling water, and other outdoor activities, making this stove a sustainable and convenient alternative to traditional gas stoves. Through this project, students learn about the principles of biomass energy, as well as gain skills in design, engineering, and problem-solving.
​The Hydrogen Highway: A Fuel Cell Vehicle Design Challenge
Student experience the thrill of building and testing their very own fuel cell car with this exciting project. Using a reversible PEM fuel cell, students can harness the power of hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical energy, which propels a small electric motor. By designing and testing their fuel cell cars, students will develop a deeper understanding of fuel cell technology and renewable energy, while sharpening their engineering, problem-solving, and data analysis skills. This project offers a fun and interactive way to engage with alternative energy and explore the possibilities of clean transportation.
Project Overview
This section contains descriptions of the projects completed by my students, providing a glimpse into the kinds of assignments we work on together.
Digging Deep into Renewable Energy: A Geothermal Heat Pump Design Challenge
Students will construct their own geothermal heat pumps using a range of materials and tools. Through experimentation, they will discover how to transfer geothermal heat from a testing ground to a model building. By creating and testing their heat pumps, students will develop an understanding of geothermal energy principles while honing their engineering, problem-solving, and creative skills. This project provides a fun and tactile approach to learning about renewable energy and its potential to power homes and buildings.
Riding the Waves: 3D Printing Tidal Turbines
Students use AutoCAD software to design their own tidal turbines and houses, which can then be 3D printed and attached to a DC motor. Students explore the principles of tidal power by testing and comparing the effectiveness of three different turbine designs. By simulating tidal currents in a wave tank, students measure the amount of electrical energy generated by their tidal turbines and use this data to evaluate and improve their designs. Through this project, students gain skills in CAD design, 3D printing, renewable energy, and data analysis, as well as develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
AutoHarvest: Designing an Algae Harvesting Bot
Students get to take on the challenge of designing and building a functional model of an algae harvesting equipment that is programmed to harvest algae from local waterways on a regular basis. Using materials such as sensors, pumps, and controllers, students create a system that can automatically detect and harvest algae according to pre-set parameters. Once harvested, the algae can be collected and tested for their calorific value measurement, providing students with valuable data on the energy yield of the harvested biomass. This project offers a unique and innovative way for students to explore the potential of algae as a source of biofuel, as well as develop skills in engineering, programming, and data analysis.
Flowing Towards Sustainability: Building and Testing Model Dams
Students get hands-on experience with renewable energy by designing and building their own model dams. Using 3D printing technology and other materials, students create turbines and construct their own miniature hydroelectric power systems. They then test the effectiveness of their model dams in a controlled environment, such as a testing tank, by measuring the amount of electrical power generated by the DC motors. Through this project, students learn about the principles of hydroelectric power, as well as gain skills in design, engineering, and problem-solving.
Silhouette Showcase: Renewable Energy Gallery Walk
Students create a collaborative and interactive art project that celebrates renewable energy. Students will use foam boards to design and cut out symbols of windmills, solar panels, or hydroelectric dams. As a class, they will participate in a gallery walk, adding positive economic, environmental, and social effects of renewable energy on sticky notes at the top of the silhouette and negative effects at the bottom. The final product will be a thought-provoking display that showcases the benefits of renewable energy.
S'more Sun: Building Solar-Powered Ovens
​In this team-based project, students will design and construct solar ovens using aluminum foil, hot glue, corrugated board, and plastic wrap or plexiglass. By harnessing the power of the sun, these ovens will be able to cook delicious s'mores. Through this project, students will gain valuable experience in design thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on building while learning about the benefits of solar energy. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in engineering, sustainability, and culinary creativity!
Flowing Towards Sustainability: Building and Testing Model Dams
In this dynamic project, students get hands-on experience with renewable energy by designing and building their own model dams. Using 3D printing technology and other materials, students create turbines and construct their own miniature hydroelectric power systems. They then test the effectiveness of their model dams in a controlled environment, such as a testing tank, by measuring the amount of electrical power generated by the DC motors. Through this project, students learn about the principles of hydroelectric power, as well as gain skills in design, engineering, and problem-solving.
Wind Warriors: Vertical Turbine Blade Design and Testing
In this exciting project, teams of students will design and manufacture their own vertical wind turbine blades using CAD software and 3D printing technology. By experimenting with different blade shapes and configurations, they will create prototypes and test them in a wind tunnel. Through iterative design and testing, they will refine their designs and produce a final version for testing.