The Program Windmills provide an opportunity to apply science skills and knowledge to a technological problem. Students investigate how science and technology may be used to improve the environment by harnessing a renewable resource. Students construct a windmill blade made from a sheet of heavy paper. This blade is fastened to a hub and axle made from an ice cream pushup which is fitted into a windmill made from a cardboard box. String is attached to the pushup axle and weights are added to the string.
Students measure lifting ability using a floor fan as a wind source.
Weight is added until the windmill blade stalls. Other activities include examination of different types of windmills and research into the variables which affect windmill performance. As a final project, students design a windmill blade that will lift more than any other windmill blade. Overall Value Students relate science and technology by using basic science and applying it in a research setting. The emphasis on the application of problem-solving skills to an STS problem.