Simple Wind Generator

Videos

Grades3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Physics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Exploratorium

Open Resource

What it is

In this activity, students build a small wind generator to light up an LED.

Teaching tips

Positives

Written and video instructions are very clear.
There is an accompanying video with teaching tips.

Prerequisites

You will need to collect all appropriate materials before the students arrive to class.
If you do not have one or more fans in your classroom, you may have to wait for a windy day to conduct this experiment.
It may be best to show the instructions video to your students at the beginning of class.
Make sure to leave time at the end of class to clean up or set aside the wind generators.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students can work in groups.
If students complete the activity and their LED lights up, challenge them to iterate on their design to create a brighter LED.
Students who have great interpersonal skills can rotate around to other groups to help them create their wind generators.
If your students are interested in how wind energy can change a community, they can hear the story of William Kamkwamba.

From the scientist review

This resource provides instructions for the building of an at-home craft version of an electrical wind generator using craft materials, a hobby motor, and an LED. The instructions are clear and provided in both video form and written out, and the resource provides tips and tricks for troubleshooting. This resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Subjects: Physics
Other types: Projects
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Exploratorium
Authors: Exploratorium
Published: October 19, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · MS-ETS1-4. + 42 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

MS-ETS1-4.MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
4-PS3-4.4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
3-5-ETS1-3.3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
MS-ETS1-A.MS-ETS1-A. The more precisely a design task’s criteria and constraints can be defined, the more likely it is that the designed solution will be successful. Specification of constraints includes consideration of scientific principles and other relevant knowledge that is likely to limit possible solutions. (secondary to MS-PS3-3)

New Jersey Climate Education Hub

New Jersey Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

4-PS3-4.4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
3-5-ETS1-3.3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
MS-ETS1-4.MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
SL.II.7.2SL.II.7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

Oregon Climate Education Hub

Oregon Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

7.SL.27.SL.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
3.ETS1.33.ETS1.3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
4.PS3.44.PS3.4 Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
5.ETS1.35.ETS1.3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
MS.ETS1.4MS.ETS1.4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

4-PS3-4.4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
MS-ETS1-4.MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
3-5-ETS1-2.3-5-ETS1-2. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
SL.7.2SL.7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

Maine Climate Education Hub

Maine Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

4-PS3-44-PS3-4 Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
3-5-ETS1-33-5-ETS1-3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
MS-ETS1-4MS-ETS1-4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
SL.6-8.2SL.6-8.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.

New York Climate Education Hub

New York Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

4-PS3-4.4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
3-5-ETS1-3.3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
MS-ETS1-4.MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
7SL2:7SL2: Analyze the central ideas and supporting details presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral) and explain how the ideas clarify and/or contribute to a topic, text, or issue under study.

Connecticut Climate Education Hub

Connecticut Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
4-PS3-4.4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
3-5-ETS1-3.3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
MS-ETS1-4.MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
MS-ETS1-A.MS-ETS1-A. The more precisely a design task’s criteria and constraints can be defined, the more likely it is that the designed solution will be successful. Specification of constraints includes consideration of scientific principles and other relevant knowledge that is likely to limit possible solutions. (secondary to MS-PS3-3)

ECCLPs Climate Education Hub

ECCLPs Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

4-PS3-4.4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
3-5-ETS1-3.3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
MS-ETS1-4.MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
MS-ETS1-A.MS-ETS1-A. The more precisely a design task’s criteria and constraints can be defined, the more likely it is that the designed solution will be successful. Specification of constraints includes consideration of scientific principles and other relevant knowledge that is likely to limit possible solutions. (secondary to MS-PS3-3)

Michigan Climate Education Hub

Michigan Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

3-5-ETS1-33-5-ETS1-3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
4-PS3-44-PS3-4 Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
MS-ETS1-4MS-ETS1-4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
SL.7.2.SL.7.2. Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

Illinois Climate Education

Illinois Climate Education Standards legacy

SL.7.2.SL.7.2. Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
4-PS3-4.4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
3-5-ETS1-3.3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
MS-ETS1-4.MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

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