Sailing Away A STEM Project
Wind Energy Wind energy is an important source of electricity and an example of a renewable resource. Today you will research information about wind energy. You will use this research to build your next STEM project!
Your Challenge Build a sail to catch the wind! Your group will go through the Engineering Design Process to build a sail from the bag of materials you are given. We will test your sail using a fan and tight wires as shown in the picture below.
By the end of this project, you will be able to say… S I can define renewable resources. T I can use a website to research information. E I can use the Engineering Design Process to design a sail. M I can identify the factors that influence speed.
The Engineering Design Process Ask Imagine Plan Create Improve
Materials It’s a secret this time! Your teacher will give you a bag of materials but you won’t get to open them until the timer for planning starts! You can use any or all of the things in the bag.
Project Schedule Week 1: Research wind energy using the Kids and Energy Website (under STEM links on Mrs. Reagan’s website.) Week 2: Ask, imagine, plan your design Start building Test as you go Week 3: Continue to improve and test your sail Time sails/ discuss speed Share ideas and reflect