Module 3: Spin
Mā te pohewa mā te auaha hoki, ka whakapuaki ngā kura e huna ana – With imagination and creativity, a hidden jewel can be revealed
Wind turbines are amazing at powering our hapori. But how do they transform wind into electricity?
In this module you’ll learn how a wind turbine works and then design your own!
The power of wind
It’s time to spark your imagination and discover how to generate electricity through the power of wind!
Let's check in with Lewis and Cha Cha to learn more:
I wonder how a turbine works?
Do you remember all the parts that make up a wind turbine?
Each element is carefully designed to make sure the turbine generates as much electricity as possible. And aerodynamics has a huge part to play.
So how could you engineer aerodynamic blades that will light up your entire town?
Imagine
That takes us to the second stage of the engineering design process, imagine! In this stage, engineers imagine some possible solutions to their problem.
Power champs, it’s time to spark your imagination and find a way to engineer aerodynamic turbine blades.
Aerodynamics in nature
With its soaring birds, spinning whales, and dancing trees, te taiao (nature) is full of aerodynamic life forms that are naturals at harnessing the wind.
Activity 3.1: Naturally aerodynamic
Discover some of nature’s most aerodynamic life forms to find inspiration for your turbine design.
Ngohe 3.1: Naturally aerodynamic
Discover some of nature’s most aerodynamic life forms to find inspiration for your turbine design.
Plan
Blade design
Rōpū, hopefully nature has charged your imagination. Because it’s time to come up with your own blade designs!
Then, you’ll move onto the next stage of the engineering design process, plan, where you’ll plan which solution is best and how to make it happen.
Activity 3.2: Blade design
Imagine and plan some aerodynamic blade designs that will help you achieve your challenge goals.
Ngohe 3.2: Te hoahoa rapa
Whakaarotia ake ētahi hoahoa auaha mō ngā rapa o tō kapohau. Kōwhiria te hoahoa pai katoa, ā, whakamaheretia ngā rawa e hiahiatia ana e koe hei hanga i ngā rapa.
Reminder!
Collect recyclable materials for your turbine blades. You might also need to bring in a desk fan, and desk lamp if your school doesn’t have one.
Tools down!
Mīharo. Today you:
- Discovered how a turbine works
- Continued the engineering design process
- Explored aerodynamics in nature
- Imagined and planned your turbine blade design