Michael Arquin, Wind Vision
Ambassador
Michael Arquin is the director of the KidWind Project and is currently
engaged in a variety of projects to improve the quality of materials and
training related to wind energy education for K-12 science and technology
teachers.
Prior to starting KidWind he was a middle and high school science educator
teaching Biology, Chemistry and Physical Science. Michael was also a lead
developer and teacher trainer at the Boston Museum of Science on a variety
of projects including the Engineering is Elementary curriculum initiative, a
$5M NSF initiative to develop engineering education for elementary teachers
and students.
The KidWind website launched in the fall of 2003 offering free lesson plans
and a variety of wind energy kits online. The first wind energy kit sold for
$25 and shipped from the headquarters of Michael’s basement in Arlington, MA. Now, through a
partnership Vernier, KidWind sells thousands of kits annually to kids, parents and teachers all over the
world and is a leader in wind energy education and training. Over the past 12 years KidWind has trained
more than 15,000 teachers worldwide who impact more than 800,000 students a year. The KidWind
Challenge provides a unique experience for students to construct their very own 4ft tall wind turbine and
test in a wind tunnel. Over 3000 students a year participate in this challenge.
In 2015, Michael launched a new project with co-director Asia Ward called REcharge Labs. These Labs
seek to blend art, science and renewable technologies to teach engage students and teachers to explore
and visualize basic science concepts around energy.
Michael lives in Saint Paul with his wife and three children. KidWind’s headquarters are in Minneapolis,
Minnesota.