All in the Blades

All in the Blades

Lesson 18 of 20 in this unit

  • Secondary
  • Year 7 - 8
  • Science
  • Earth and Space
  • Environmental
  • Climate Change
  • Energy
  • Sustainability
  • ...

Lesson summary

Students experiment using trial and error and then refine their adjustments on a model wind generator. They find the best blade adjustments to maximize the efficiency of a wind turbine. Activity adapted from Save the Earth Science Experiments*.

Learning intentions:

Students will...

  • identify the blade shapes that are most successful at creating energy when used in a wind turbine
  • demonstrate ability to work independently or collaboratively to follow instructions and complete activity
  • demonstrate ability to recognise and use a range of materials and tools to complete activity
  • demonstrate ability to use models to explain or demonstrate a concept
  • demonstrate ability to write and articulate scientific observations
  • demonstrate the ability to work independently or collaboratively to research and compile information on issues and to communicate lessons from research through art or literacy exercises (extension).

Lesson guides and printables

Lesson Plan
Student Worksheet

Lesson details

Curriculum mapping

Australian curriculum content descriptions:

Year 7 Science:

  • Change to an object’s motion is caused by unbalanced forces acting on the object (ACSSU117)
  • In fair tests, measure and control variables, and select equipment to collect data with accuracy appropriate to the task (ACSIS126)

Year 8 Science:

  • Energy appears in different forms including movement (kinetic energy), heat and potential energy, and causes change within systems(ACSSU155)
  • In fair tests, measure and control variables, and select equipment to collect data with accuracy appropriate to the task (ACSIS141)

Syllabus Outcomes: SC4-5WS, SC4-6WS, SC4-10PW. 

Indoor or outdoor activity: Indoor

Duration of activity: 45 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Gather and prepare equipment, assist students with experiment.

Homework and extension opportunities: This activity has opportunities for homework and extension.

Activity adapted from: Save the Earth Science Experiments (2008), Elizabeth Snoke Harris, Lark Books, New York, USA.

Resources required

Each group or pair will need the following:

  • A Rubber Band
  • 1.5 Volt Dc Motor, Ruler
  • Wire Cutters
  • Insulated Wire, Voltmeter Or Multimeter
  • 18 Large paper clips
  • Scissors
  • Thin cardboard
  • Cork
  • Masking tape
  • Fan
  • Marker pens
  • Electrical tape (optional)
  • Worksheet 1, 2 and 3 (or Create your own worksheet 3

Additional info

This is an original Cool.org lesson. Facts and figures in these lessons may have changed since this lesson was published. We always endeavour to update our resources in a timely manner, but if you see an error or issue in our resources please get in touch with us.

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