AP® Environmental Science: Electricity and Wind Energy

Product Details

Overview
In this inquiry lab, students design, build, and test their own wind turbines to explore how wind energy is converted into electricity. In Part I, students plan a rotor design considering blade material, shape, size, and number, then build and test it using a DC motor connected to a multimeter to measure voltage and current. In Part II, students analyze their results alongside classmates’ data, modify their rotor designs, and retest to maximize power output. Through calculations of power (P = V × I) and swept area, students connect hands-on engineering to the physics of renewable energy generation.

AP® Course and Exam Description Alignment
This activity is aligned to the 2024 AP® Environmental Science Course and Exam Description, Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption. Learning Objectives addressed:
● ENG-3.A: Identify differences between nonrenewable and renewable energy sources.
● ENG-3.R: Describe the use of wind energy in power generation.
● ENG-3.S: Describe the effects of the use of wind energy in power generation on the environment.

Science Practices addressed include: SP 1.A, 1.B (Describe and explain environmental concepts and processes); SP 4.C, 4.D, 4.E (Describe research methods, make observations, and explain modifications to experimental procedures); SP 5.C (Explain patterns and trends in data to draw conclusions); SP 6.C (Calculate an accurate numeric answer with appropriate units); SP 7.A, 7.B (Describe environmental problems and potential responses).

Exam Connect questions are included, featuring both free-response and multiple-choice questions aligned to Unit 6 topics and science practices.

Key Features

Real sample data included. Kit instructions always include real sample data—never made up! Teachers have complete data tables for both original and modified rotor designs with voltage, current, and power output to guide expectations.

Tested and optimized. Each experiment has been thoroughly tested, retested, and optimized to guarantee safety and success.

Scaffolded for all learners. Prelab questions build foundational understanding of renewable energy and power calculations. A two-part guided procedure walks students through initial design, testing, data analysis, redesign, and retesting, with post-lab questions progressing from calculation to conceptual understanding to engineering application.

Flexible and adaptable. Multiple blade materials (cardboard, foam, polystyrene, manila folder) allow for varied designs. The activity can be run as a class competition with categories for greatest power output, greatest improvement, or best power-to-weight ratio.

Teacher Notes
Estimated Time: Part I (design, build, and test) can be completed in one 50-minute class period. Part II (modification and retesting) can be completed in one 50-minute class period.

Kit accommodates 15 groups of students.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of energy types and simple calculations. No advanced physics or environmental science knowledge required.

Materials: Kit includes bamboo skewers, cardboard sheets, corks, DC motors (2), sandpaper, foam sheets, polystyrene sheets, manila folders, and caps.

Additional Materials: Scissors; glue or tape; metric ruler; calculator. Testing station requires alligator cords, box or floor fan, buret clamp, multimeter, support stand, and timer.

Advanced Preparation: Teacher needs to set up two testing stations by attaching DC motors to support stands via clamps, connecting alligator cords to multimeters, and positioning fans 20 cm from motors.

Safety: Exercise caution when handling sharp bamboo skewers. Wear eye protection as rotor components may separate during testing. Never touch bare wires in an electric circuit with a current.