Vernier - KidWind Basic Wind Experiment Kit - Single Kit

Explore wind energy affordably and easily. This kit, one of our most popular, allows young scientists to test a variety of blade designs, generate electricity (0.5 –3 V range), and lift weights. The Basic Wind Experiment Kit has all the materials you need to get started understanding wind power. Great for classrooms, as well as individual science fair projects.

Classroom Pack

The classroom pack includes materials for eight groups of 2 to 4 students each. Each group independently assembles hubs and blade sets. To evaluate designs, students use one of three teacher-built “test stations” that include a tower, base, and generator.

Specifications

• Height: 24 in
• Maximum blade diameter: 36 in (27 in with provided materials)
• Maximum number of blades: 12
• Expected power output: 0–1 watts
• Table or floor space needed: 18 in diameter circle

View the KidWind Basic Wind Experiment Kit user manual

Experiments

Middle School (10 experiments)

High School (2 experiments)

College (1 experiments)

What's Included

Basic Wind Experiment Kit

• Wind Turbine Generator with Wires (1)
• Nacelle Body Half (2)
• Motor Mount Pack (1)
• 8″ Hex Shaft with Hub Quick Connect (1)
• Wind Turbine Hub (1)
• Power Output Board (1)
• Tower Base Leg (3)
• Tower Base Locking Ring (1)
• Tower Base Hub (1)
• Plastic Weightlifter Bucket (1)
• Blade Pitch Protractor (1)
• Hex Lock (3)
• Spool (1)
• Gear Set (8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-tooth gears) (1)
• 20″ Tower (1)
• 1/2″ Washer (25)
• Dowels* (25)
• Power Output Pack* (1)
• 3″ x 12″ x 3/32″ Balsa Wood Sheet* (5)
• 3″ x 12″ Chipboard Blade Sheet* (10)
• 4′ String* (4)

Classroom Pack

• Wind Turbine Generator with Wires (3)
• Nacelle Body Half (6)
• Motor Mount Pack (3)
• 8″ Hex Shaft with Hub Quick Connect (3)
• Wind Turbine Hub (8)
• Power Output Board (1)
• Tower Base Leg (9)
• Tower Base Locking Ring (3)
• Tower Base Hub (3)
• Plastic Weightlifter Bucket (3)
• Blade Pitch Protractor (3)
• Hex Lock (9)
• Spool (3)
• Gear Set (8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-tooth gears) (3)
• 20″ Tower (3)
• 1/2″ Washer (75)
• Dowels* (150)
• Power Output Pack* (3)
• 3″ x 12″ x 3/32″ Balsa Wood Sheet* (25)
• 3″ x 12″ Chipboard Blade Sheet* (50)
• 4′ String* (4)
• 8 1/2″ x 11″ Chipboard Sheet* (25)

* This part is a consumable and is excluded from the warranty.

Note: The Basic Wind Experiment Kit and Classroom Pack does not include experiment instructions, basic tools (glue, scissors, screwdriver, etc.) or a multimeter. You can measure current and voltage from the turbines using a Go Direct^® Energy Sensor, and an optional Vernier Variable Load or Vernier Resistor Board.

Activities & Concepts

Activities

• Design and compare turbine blades
• Generate electricity
• Measure power output
• Lift weights
• Light LEDs
• Charge capacitors
• Compare airfoils and flat blades

Concepts

• Understanding clean energy
• Exploring energy transformations
• Exploring the relationship between energy and forces
• Developing and using physical models
• Understanding differences between energy and power
• Collecting data with advanced tools
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Using mathematics to explain and understand data
• Designing controlled experiments
• Optimizing designs

Lessons, Tips, and Challenges

Download lessons, learn tips for building turbines, and check out the KidWind Challenges.

Go to KidWind.org