As part of their Geography lessons, Year 8 gamely tackled the Wind Power Challenge in the STEAM room. This session was prompted by year 8’s lessons on the UN Global Goal of Clean and Affordable Energy and fitted in very well with their renewable energy studies. Although a lot of fun, this challenge had a serious message. Over 1/3 of the world’s population has no access to electricity which has many repercussions. A simple wind turbine, perhaps sited on a roof, may help to tackle that. Year 8 had to design and test a wind turbine and ensure that it would lift a paper cup containing 10g masses from the floor. A variety of approaches ensued…some more successful than others! Skills of problem solving and team work were developed, as well as working under pressure and resilience as the challenge was quite frustrating at times. It was very exciting when success was achieved as the shouts of year 8 confirmed!
