Humans have been trying to harness the wind for thousands of years. Wind power, the conversion of the wind into a more useful form of energy, is the fastest growing source of electricity in the world. The KidWind Project is an organization dedicated to innovative energy education through the use of some very inspiring kits and models. Bill Rock, teacher and KidWind representative, shares his knowledge and enthusiasm on the subject while demonstrating how to build a wind turbine model using materials you can find in your local hardware store.

Materials: 

Tools: 

Directions:

1. Cut PVC pipe to six pieces at 8-inch lengths, one piece at 3-inches, one piece at 30-inches long.

2. Solder thermostat wire to DC motor contact.

3. Tape connections to prevent short. 

4. Assemble top of turbine. 

5. Run the wires through PVC pipe. 

6. Fit motor into PVC pipe union at top of turbine, secure with duct tape. 

7. Attach alligator clips to the ends of the thermostat wire at turbine base. 

8. Attach blade hub to DC motor shaft. 

9. Attach multimeter to alligator clips at base. 

10. Test power by spinning hub and checking voltage meter 11. Construct blades, using balsa wood and dowels, with hot glue. 

12. Mount blades to hub.

Special Thanks:
Bill Rock
The KidWind Project
www.kidwind.org

The Robert Bosch Corporation
www.boschtools.com

To learn more about wind power please visit The American Wind Energy Association
www.awea.org