The KidWind Challenge
image of instructor helping children with KidWind projects
 

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Kansas teams win at KidWind Worlds competition

See the list of KidWind state winners!

See the list of KidWind regional winners advancing to the State Challenge!

About KidWind

The KidWind Challenge is a fun way for students to explore the power of wind by building and testing wind turbines and then competing in a supportive environment. However, KidWind isn’t just about wind energy. It’s also about STEM and all the life skills that derive from the practical application of STEM in our lives – problem solving, teamwork, and scientific measurement, to name a few.

The KidWind Challenge takes place each spring and is open to students in grades 4-12. Teams comprised of typically 3-5 students build a turbine before attending a regional KidWind Challenge event where they compete against other teams. At the challenge, teams test their turbines for energy output in a wind tunnel, present their turbine design-and-build process to a panel of judges, take a knowledge quiz, and participate in an instant challenge. The regional winners advance to the KidWind state competition where the top teams are selected to represent Kansas at the World KidWind Challenge. Teams can come from public schools, private schools, home schools, after-school clubs, etc.and must have an adult present at each event. Check out the video below to learn more.

Costs and Equipment

KCC and the Kansas Energy Program (KEP) are dedicated to making this STEM competition low-cost and accessible for all students in Kansas. Using a combination of grant funding and corporate sponsorship, a number of resources are available for educators bringing students to the KidWind Challenge.

There is no registration fee and lunch and snacks are provided during the competition. Educators can be reimbursed for mileage and substitute teachers. The only costs for the competition are supplies to build a turbine and the only required part is a KidWind Generator from Vernier (3-pack for $25), which can be purchased online or provided by KEP (one per team). On a limited basis, a KidWind Basic Wind Experiment Kit may be provided to participating educators. To help your students prepare for the competition, educators can borrow a wind tunnel to test and experiment with their turbines. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a generator, borrow a wind tunnel, or ask any questions.



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