Wind turbines The children are required to discuss the positive and negative aspects of using wind turbines and factors that affect their location and design. Children then design and make a model wind turbine.

Discuss photographs of different wind turbines. General Questions for discussion Where is this wind turbine located? Is it by itself? What is a group of wind turbines called? (wind farm) What is the significance of being with other turbines? Are they near buildings? What are the advantages of being away from buildings? Do these turbines face in a particular direction? Why? (prevailing winds) Is offshore a good location? How do these wind turbines work? How do they use the wind? What are they made from? Do you think there are any disadvantages to generating energy in this way? (location of wind turbines, farm land, scenic spots, wildlife). Name an advantage of this method of generating energy over solar energy (the wind turbines will work both day and night provided there is sufficient wind – solar will only work during the day)

General Questions for discussion Where is this wind turbine located? Is it by itself? Do you think it is near a residential area? (the light) Does this turbine face in a particular direction? Why? (prevailing winds) How does this wind turbine work? Why are the blades smaller than many other wind turbines? What is it supplying direct power to? (the light) Do you think there are any disadvantages to generating energy in this way? (location, noise, farm land, scenic spots, wildlife).

General Questions for discussion Where are these wind turbines located? What is a group of wind turbines called? (wind farm) What is the significance of being with the other turbines? Are they near buildings? What are the advantages of being away from buildings? Do these turbines face in a particular direction? Why? (prevailing winds) Is offshore a good location? Do you think there are any disadvantages to this location? (scenic spots, wildlife).

General Questions for discussion Where is this wind turbine located? Is it by itself? Why? What is the significance of being on its own? Is it near buildings? For what purpose do you think it is used? What are the advantages of being away from buildings? Does this turbine face in a particular direction? Why? (prevailing winds) Is this a good location? How does this wind turbine work? How does it use the wind? What is it made from? Do you think there are any disadvantages to its location on farm land? Who might be affected by the location of this wind turbine?

General Questions for discussion Where are these wind turbines located? Is this a residential area? (industrial estate) Why are they situated so close to these buildings? (supplying power to the factories) What is the significance of being with the other turbines? What are the advantages of being close to these buildings? Are there disadvantages? (noise level for factory workers) Do these turbines face in a particular direction? Why? (prevailing winds) Is this a good location? Do you think there are any disadvantages to this location? (location, noise level, farm land, scenic spots, wildlife).

General Questions for discussion Where is this wind turbine located? Why is it by itself? What purpose is it used for? Why is it near the house? (supplying power to the house) What is the advantage of proximity to the house? What are the disadvantages? Does this turbine face in a particular direction? Why? (prevailing winds) How does this wind turbine work? How does it use the wind? What is it made from? Do you think there are any disadvantages to generating energy for the house in this way?

General Questions for discussion Where are these wind turbines located? What are the advantages of being on high ground? What is a group of wind turbines called? (wind farm) What is the significance of being with the other turbines? Are they near buildings? What are the advantages of being away from buildings? Do these turbines face in a particular direction? Why? (prevailing winds) Is this a good location? How do these wind turbines work? How do they use the wind? What are they made from? Do you think there are any disadvantages to generating energy in this location? (scenic spot, wildlife)

Design and make a wind turbine In groups the children make a detailed drawing of an ideal location for a wind turbine in their local area. Encourage each group to discuss factors that need to be considered. Discussion on elements to be included in the plan Criteria In groups, children discuss criteria required to make a wind turbine for a chosen location. Record the children’s ideas and then select 3 or 4 criteria that the children must adhere to when designing and making their wind turbines. For example It must be at least 30 cm high. It must catch the wind. It must rotate freely. All groups should also be aware of the location for which they are designing their turbine. Materials (activity of selecting materials on next page) Labelled diagram

Selecting materials for the wind turbine With the aid of class discussion, identify the items you would bring into the circle to make your wind turbine.

Resources required A sheet of paper/ card (to make blades of windmill if not using wood) Pencil Scissors Ruler Digital camera (for children to record stages in the design and make process) Panel pin hammer (available in any DIY store) Nails (panel pins 25mm) Coping saw (optional) Pieces of wood (plywood/ white deal) Dowelling Safety goggles

Questions to help with evaluation through paired, small group or whole class discussion:

Quiz time: The quiz questions on the following pages are in multiple choice format with 3 optional answers. They can be completed as paired or small group activities allowing for talk and discussion or on an individual basis. Suggestion: Each child/pair/group has cards / key-ring / fan with numbers to hold up for the correct answer. Click on each number with the Arrow tool to see if the answer is correct or incorrect. Teacher Note: Answers to questions are found in PCM 1 - Pages 1 and 2

Answer: 3

Answers: 2, 3

Answer: 1

Answer: 3

Optional Extension Activity Design and make activity from the book The Energy File: How to make a windmill (page 12) http://www.seai.ie/Schools/Primary_Schools/Resources_Available/The_Energy_File1.pdf?iframe=true&width=1024&height=768