During February and early March, North Branch Middle Schoolers studied wind energy and designed their own turbines. Their knowledge and designs were put to the test on March 9th at the KidWind Regional Challenge at James Madison University. After learning about wind energy as a class, the students combined into three teams. These groups worked together to design a turbine, create a poster explaining their experimental process, and to practice presenting so they were ready for the judges on the big day.
Competing with other area middle schools, Team Lake Windipeg won the Wind Guru Instant Challenge for the best solution for off-shore wind farm siting (off the coast of New Jersey). Team Mr. Windwide brought home a 1st-place trophy after the judges reviewed their presentation, asked the students questions, and watched their design in action in the wind tunnel. Mr. Windwide will take their design to the state competition in April.
The KidWind Challenge is a great fit for North Branch School’s hands-on approach to education, emphasizing creative, independent thinking and opportunities to experience the give-and-take needed to work cooperatively with others.
CBS19 Charlottesville featured North Branch’s KidWind efforts as their Feel Good Friday piece on March 18. https://www.cbs19news.com/category/339237/feel-good-friday