How to Make a Wind Turbine Model For Kids Out of Recycled Material

Wind is one of the most basic elements of our environment. Most kids learn about this type of energy and its power through their elementary school science classes. However, teaching kids the value of wind energy and its many uses is difficult without the right visual aids. Creating a wind turbine model is one of the best ways to teach kids how wind power works. Factor in the use of recycled materials and you are able to teach children the importance of one of nature’s most essential elements without spending a lot of money in the process.

Cut two pieces of 4-inch straw tubes using a pair of scissors. Cut the straws lengthwise to separate the tubes and create four half tubes.

Stack the half tubes. Trim, if necessary, to ensure the half tubes are of the same length and width.

Line up the tubes and tape them together using masking tape. Then, make a diagonal cut, starting at one end approximately one third of the way in from the side. Continue cutting down to the tube’s far corner. Remove the large part of every half-tube in the stack while cutting. These will now become the “blades” of your wind turbine model.

Fan the blades out making a circle and see to it that the blades do not overlap. Use glue to keep the blades in position and leave it for 2 to 3 hours to dry.

Make the tower or base of your wind turbine model. Take a fresh piece of straw and split the end of the straw into four pieces and bend them outward like flower petals. Glue the petals onto your cardboard to allow the straw’s shaft to stick upwards.

Pull the eraser out of your pencil and slip it into the tip of your straw. Pin your blade wheel to the center of the eraser using a thumbtack.

Let the kids to blow the wind turbine model’s blades to make it turn.