Curriculum Activities Developed by Massachusetts Teachers

Topics: Wind, Alternative Energy

Source: Ashland Middle School

Download Activity in MS Word File

Grade Levels: 3-10

Learning Strategies: Hands-on; cognitive

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Earth and Space Science

  Grades 3-5: Weather

  Grades 6-8: Mapping the Earth

  Grades 9-10: The Earth's Sources of Energy

• Physical Science

  Grades 3-5:
  Forms of Energy; Electrical Energy; Mechanical Energy

  Grades 6-8:
  Motion of Objects; Forms of Energy

• Engineering and Technology

  Grades 3-5:
  Materials and Tools; Engineering Design

  Grades 6-8:
  Engineering Design; Transportation Technologies

Cost: Free

Description: This curriculum, developed by an eighth-grade teacher, was designed for an Applied Science and Technology course. The goal is to have the entire eighth grade determine the feasibility of utilizing wind energy resources at the middle school at two different times of the year. The study of wind is integrated into the study of simple machines, magnetisms, electricity, and alternative energy resources. Twenty lessons include the construction of a wind turbine and the reporting of the experimental results.