Last updated May 29, 2020 at 4:55 pm
Join Lee Constable as she investigates wind turbine engineering. In episode 3 – how many blades is best?
If you want to transform the energy in wind into electricity, you want machines that do this as efficiently as possible – at least, within your cost limits.
This series of videos show investigations using STELR wind energy kits. They are designed for remote learning and home schooling.
Join Lee Constable as she does experiments and gathers data around the engineering of wind turbines. Can she build the ideal turbine?
Students do not need access to the equipment, they can analyse the results of Lee’s investigations and complete specially developed worksheets.
Worksheets, including the relevant data sets, are available by contacting STELR.Admin@atse.org.au or on the Australia’s Science Channel Education portal.
Teach This: Education Resource: STELR Wind Turbine Investigations
There are many factors that contribute to the efficiency of wind turbines, such as the materials used and the height of the towers. You can test some factors with the STELR wind turbine.
During three videos, science legend Lee Constable will test:
1. What is the best angle for the turbine blades?
2. What is the best length of blade to use?
3. What is the best number of blades to have on your turbine? (this video)
These videos were made with the generous support of Orica.
About STELR
STELR is a ready-to-use STEM resource that is hands-on, inquiry-based, and in-curriculum.
Most importantly, it shows students that science and maths are relevant to their lives.
STELR aims to increase student enthusiasm for and engagement with Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) subjects, and provides career profiles which highlight the study pathways necessary for jobs in STEM-related industries.
STELR has produced more than 20 curriculum modules comprising over 280 lessons, 100 hands-on activities, 30 career profile videos and 80 written career profiles. Many modules are supported by kits of Australian-designed and manufactured equipment to facilitate inquiry-based, hands-on, minds-on, problem-based learning.
Find more STELR investigations and order STELR equipment kits at https://stelr.org.au/
