The Renewable Energy Research Lab

Topic:  Wind Energy

Source:  Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, UMass Amherst

Web address:http://www.ceere.org/rerl/index.html

Grade Levels:  9-College

Learning Strategies:  Readings, activities with software

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Earth and Space Science, Grades 9-10

  1. Matter and Energy in the Earth System
  2. The Earth’s Sources of Energy

• Technology/Engineering, Grade 9 or 10

4.  Energy and Power Technologies – Thermal Systems

Cost:  Textbook: $70; free software; research papers vary in price.

Description: The Renewable Energy Research Lab at UMass-Amherst offers information through its website on its low-speed aerodynamics laboratory, statistics for the power it provides, wind facts, and a description of the wind turbine on Mt. Tom.  The site provides free software downloads including the textbook Wind Energy Explained, which provides detailed explanations of wind energy engineering.  While no lessons or activities are provided, the site links to other resources on wind energy engineering and additional background information for teachers.  In addition to its website, RERL acts as a local resource for fieldtrips and further education.