Wind Power For Kids

From the windmills of yesterday, to the wind turbines(a modern windmill) turn a shaft that is attached to a
of today, the wind has long been harnessed as angear transmission box. This transmission box increases
energy source. In fact, because it is a clean andthe turning speed of the shaft that connects to the
renewable resource, the use of this energy isgenerator that creates electricity. California produces
increasing worldwide. In honor of Windmill Daymore electricity from wind than any other state. And
(celebrated the second weekend in May by both theeven though California's wind turbines do not operate
English and the Dutch), here's an introduction to Windyear round (the air must be blowing at least twelve
Power. Learn more at the following sites.miles per hour to generate electricity), California's
From Windmills to Whirligigsturbines generate enough electricity to power a city
Meet Vollis Simpson, who exploits the power of thethe size of San Francisco for a year.
wind to make art. His whimsical windmill- poweredWind Power
whirligigs stand guard over his yard, twirling like giant"Uneven heating of the Earth's surface causes the
robotic pinwheels. This virtual tour, created by thewind to blow. Many societies have long taken
Science Museum of Minnesota, showcases a "uniqueadvantage of this energy to travel great distances and
science and art connection to wind." After you'veperform diverse tasks such as grinding, sawing and
visited the yard (you'll need Quick Time VR to viewpumping water. Modern wind turbines using advanced
the movies) don't miss the Try These activities fortechnologies are able to produce electricity for homes,
instructions on making a soda-can whirler orbusinesses, and even utilities." For middle- and
parachuting pinwheel.high-school students, this overview of windy power
Wind Energypresents the history, theory and application of wind
To convert wind to electricity, the blades of a turbinepower today.