WINDMILLS AND RENEWABLE
ENERGY
Intro to Physical Science
Sherry Carr, Martha Cortes, Richard Gathright, and Diana Rojas
C. Dianne Phillips, Instructor
Introduction
Our goal with this
project is to explain
and show how a
windmill works and
how it generates
renewable energy
Project Overview
 We built a windmill
that demonstrates how
wind can be turned
into usable energy.
 We used different
types and sizes of
blades to compare and
contrast the efficiency.
Objectives
 To create a wind energy demonstration that
can be used at the college level, as well as the
elementary level
 We created a lesson plan that can be used at
the elementary level to show what renewable
energy is and explain it in a way that they
understand
 Our goal was to power a Christmas bulb that
required 1.75 Volts
The Power of Wind
 Wind power can be calculated using the
formula P=½p(π r2)V3
 P= Power in the Wind
 p= Density of the Air
 r= Radius of swept area
 V= Wind Velocity
 A regular house fan produces 7.85 Watts of
power on high
The Windmill
Project Data
Number of
Blades
Inches of Blade
3
16
3
14
3
13
4
13
4
13
4
13
3
13
2
13
2
13
4 blade mini fan
Wind Direction Blade Angle
direct-fan on low
Results
Volts of
electricity
45 degrees
too much drag
0
direct-fan on
high
direct-fan on
high
direct-fan on
medium
45 degrees
better
0.56
45 degrees
better
0.79
45 degrees
better
0.8
direct-fan on low
0
direct-fan on
high
direct-fan on
medium
direct-fan on
medium
direct-fan on
high
direct fan on
high
45 degrees
45 degrees
more drag than
before
more drag than
before
more drag than
before
0.68
0.66
0.6
45 degrees
excellent
0.93
45 degrees
excellent
1.07
best yet
5.60
Curriculum
Course Content
 We used the scientific method to produce the
experiment, collect data, and interpret the
results.
 Renewable energy resources
 Physics concepts
 Conservation of Energy
 Work-Energy Principle
 Magnetic Induction
 Lenz’s Law
Activity Curriculum
 Used the turbine to
demonstrate Wind
Energy.
 Created a lesson plan
that is geared for 3rd
grade but can be
modified for all ages,
including college.
 Word Document
Technology
 Technology to be used
or already used is:





Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
The Internet
Building materials for the
windmill
 Digital Camera
 Cell Phones
How will this service the
community?
 Our project will serve the community by
informing about:
 reducing greenhouse gas emissions
 minimize electric costs
 bettering the environment using wind and other
renewable sources of energy
 Our school and community contacts include:
 Dianne Phillips, Bonnie Grimes Elementary School,
NWACC Physical Science
Community Involvement
 We taught Ms. Lay’s 3rd
grade class at Bonnie
Grimes Elementary in
Rogers, AR about Wind
Energy and renewable.
 Created a small
pinwheel
demonstration that
the kids could easily
make and enjoy.
Skills Developed
 Team
 We built on our team skills to ensure that the work was
evenly distributed and thoroughly finished to the best of
our abilities
 Technological
 The team increased their knowledge of:
 Certain computer programs
 Internet research
 Mechanical and electrical skills
 Physics
 Renewable Energy
 Communicational
 We developed good communication skills in order to
succeed in this project
Outcome
 Our experiment was
successful in all aspects
of the project.
 We were able to teach
younger students
about renewable
energy and at the same
time, teach ourselves.
Acknowledgements
 Bonnie Grimes Elementary School
 Debra Lewis, Principal, Bonnie Grimes
 Ms. Lisa Lay, 3rd grade teacher
 Third grade class
 C. Dianne Phillips, NWACC Physical Science
Instructor
 Kidwind.org
 Lowes