The Windyville Challenge is a project-based learning experience that encourages students to think critically and creatively. Students will work in teams to design and build a windmill that can generate electricity. They will learn about the principles of wind energy, the importance of sustainability, and the impact of renewable energy on our planet.
The project will take place over a duration of class periods, during which students will research, design, and build their windmills. They will also have the opportunity to test their designs and make improvements based on their findings.
During that time, students will engage in a hands-on activity inspired by the MacGyver Challenge, using everyday materials to build prototype windmills and explore key engineering concepts.
Following this, students will enter a design phase where they use tinkerCAD software to develop and refine the hub and blades for their windmills.
Once the designs are complete, the parts will be 3D printed and tested to see if they can outperform the University of Dayton Research Institute’s windmill design.
By the end of the project, students will have a better understanding of renewable energy and its importance in our world. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their designs and share their findings with their classmates.
The Windyville Project is a fun and engaging way to teach 3rd graders about renewable energy, engineering, and problem-solving.
Bring Back Power To Windyville!
Welcome to the Windyville Windmill Challenge!!! Recently, a severe tornado struck Windyville, knocking out the town’s electricity.
As a result, important services such as the internet and TV are currently non-operational, leaving the community in need of urgent assistance. Fortunately, the storm has left behind a valuable resource: strong winds and a significant amount of recyclable materials scattered throughout the town.
Your task is to utilize wind power and available recycled materials to design and construct a functional windmill that will restore power and help bring power back to Windyville!
The Goal Of This Project
The goal of the Windyville project is to empower students to harness renewable energy sources and develop innovative solutions for real-world problems. Through the design and construction of their windmills, students will gain hands-on experience in engineering, teamwork, and critical thinking.
This project will have 3 main activities that will harness and grow creativity within these students.
MacGyver Challenge: Students will use recyclable materials to build a windmill that can generate electricity.
The MacGyver Challenge is an exciting hands-on activity where students are presented with a variety of recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, cardboard, paper, and other everyday items. Working in teams, students will brainstorm, design, and construct a windmill prototype capable of generating electricity. This challenge not only encourages creativity and innovation but also fosters essential skills like teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Throughout the process, students will learn about the importance of sustainability and the value of reusing materials to solve real-world problems. Educators will guide students as they test and refine their windmill designs, helping them understand the engineering principles behind wind energy and electricity generation.
Design Phase: Students will use TinkerCAD to create and refine their windmill designs.
In the design phase, students will transition from physical prototypes to digital modeling using TinkerCAD, a user-friendly 3D design software. Here, students will have the opportunity to visualize and improve their windmill components, such as the blades, by experimenting with different shapes and configurations. This phase emphasizes the iterative nature of engineering, as students can easily modify their designs based on feedback and test results from the MacGyver Challenge. The collaborative environment in TinkerCAD allows students to share their ideas, receive constructive feedback from peers and educators, and document their design process. Educators will supervise and support students, ensuring they understand the basics of 3D modeling and how digital tools can enhance their engineering projects.
3D Printing and Testing Phase: Students will print their designs and test them against the UDRI windmill design.
The final phase of the project involves bringing student's digital designs to life through 3D printing. Students will receive their 3D printed windmill blades and will compete in a bracket styled competition to see whose design can generate the most electricity. This phase provides a tangible connection between digital design and real-world application, allowing students to observe how their ideas perform under actual conditions. Students will compare their windmills to the University of Dayton Research Institute’s (UDRI) windmill design, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Through testing and iteration, students will gain a deeper understanding of engineering concepts, the importance of precision in design, and the excitement of problem-solving.
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