W.I.N.G.S

Lesson Overview:

 Students must design blades that mitigate the harmful effects on wildlife.

Lesson Scenario:

 You are working for a renewable energy company – W.I.N.G.S. and your job is to help the company design new blades for wind turbines. W.I.N.G.S. researchers have determined that wind turbine blades must be redesigned to reduce the harm to wildlife.

Lesson or Unit Objectives:

 Students will be able to:

• • Observe biological processes and organisms as a source of design inspiration.
  • Identify the forces that act upon the wind turbine blades and how the shape of the blade matters.
  • Understand how some technology is designed after animals.
  • Form testable hypotheses about how the shape and material of the turbine blades affect the noise and efficiency of the blades.
  • Create prototype using 3D printer and parametric modeling software and test predictions.

Age Level or Subject:

• • Grade 6-12, Biology, Physics, Technology, Engineering Design, 3D Printing 

Lesson Plan Download

TRAILS_Design Brief_W.I.N.G.S

TRAILS_Lesson Plan_W.I.N.G.S.