Exploring STEM Careers Initiative
Dear Teacher,
KidWind gives students the tools to develop sophisticated strategies for optimal energy conversion.
Students will then be able to focus on modifying blade design to increase electrical output.
Exploring STEM Careers Initiative (ESCI) is a National Science Foundation-funded program for a limited number
of teachers in San Diego County and includes KidWind as one of its programs. To be eligible for KidWind,
teachers must commit to the following Professional Development dates:
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Sat., Jan. 10, 9a-2, NGSS overview, Turn in student permission forms (location TBD)
Sat. March 7, 9a-3p, Kid Wind Professional Development, SDSU CRMSE
Qualifying turbine tests at local schools from May 11-22 (posters must be ready)
Sat., May 30, Tournament (qualifying turbines), San Diego Wind Tunnel
Additional PD dates TBA during school year and summer options
You will work with your school’s KidWind teams in out-of-school time, over 9 weeks to design and build for
research and competition. (Teachers schedule 9-week work plans to accommodate Spring Break, testing, and
other commitments.) Top energy producing teams will compete at the San Diego Regional Kid Wind
Tournament. In March, the one-day Kid Wind Educator workshop provides team leaders and mentors with
technology training and introduces the details of this year’s challenge. Teachers are provided with all
equipment necessary including a kit that will serve 24 students (3 students per team) and a portable wind test
tunnel. Then they can plan to field teams for the Kid Wind Tournaments in May.
By designing, building, programming, and documenting wind turbines, students use science, engineering,
technology, math, and language arts skills in a collaborative hands-on project that reinforces their learning.
Student teams can range in number from 3 to 6. There are various roles for students to serve on each KidWind
team. Some students focus on building structures while others may work together to coordinate understanding
of aerodynamics and energy conversion to inform building and programming their wind turbine.
ESCI project leadership will work with teachers and their students to engage STEM professionals during Kid
Wind practice sessions. All student teams will have an opportunity to test modifications at one of the two
qualifying tournaments held 3 weeks before the final SDSA KidWind Regional Tournament.
Kid Wind student teams develop understanding of aerodynamics and energy conversion during construction of
wind turbines. KidWind teams explore how to maximize energy output through the engineering design process
at practices and regional tournaments. More information is at http://learn.kidwind.org
Additional professional development opportunities to support STEM challenges and Next Generation Science
Standards are provided during the school year and optional summer programs.
10/7/2014