Place a few small, wooden dowels into the holes of the hub. Create wind using a hair dryer or fan. Check the multimeter to see how much energy is generated.
Using a variety of materials, design different blades for the wind turbine. Consider the weight, smoothness of surface and number of blades needed. Attach the blades to the dowels using tape.
Turn on the hair dryer or fan again and test the turbine with each type of blade you design. How does the electrical output differ? Test the turbine with different wind speeds, such as low, medium and high fan settings. Does the wind speed affect the electrical energy output?
- Museum Hours
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- Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
More Activities
- Online Activity
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Build an Electric Motor
Magnets and electricity work together to make an electric motor.
- Online Activity
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Make a Comeback Can
Surprise your friends by making a can that rolls back to you when you tell it to!
- Online Activity
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Build a Roller Coaster
Learn about energy as you send a marble through a roller coaster that you design.
More Exhibits
- Exhibit
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Science Storms
Feel the physics and consider the chemistry of natural phenomena like tornados and avalanches.
- Exhibit
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Smart Home: Green + Wired 2012
MSI's green home is open with new decor and innovative ways to live green!