Kidwind Educator Workshops

A group of teachers stands smiling in front of a corn field with a wind turbine in the distance. Most workshops include a tour of a local renewable energy site. This workshop, held in October of 2023, included a visit to the Quilt Block Wind Farm in Darlington, WI. Chelsea Mamott

2024 Dates and Locations:

Got a few teachers who are interested in the workshop and want us to come to you? Or, want to be notified when 2024 dates and locations are scheduled? Fill out this form

Workshop Description

The Wisconsin Energy Institute, Wisconsin's K-12 Energy Education Program, and KidWind are excited to bring Educator Workshops to communities across Wisconsin. Join us and learn how to explore the power of clean energy with your students!

What you'll do: During these fast-paced workshops we will review energy basics, design and test blades in a wind tunnel, and preview ready-to-use lessons for integrating renewable energy into your teaching space. Participants will leave with the resources and confidence to use renewable energy as a lens for hands-on science, technology, and engineering exploration. During these workshops, you’ll also learn about the annual WI KidWind Challenge, gain tips and tricks for coaching student teams through the process of designing and constructing small-scale turbines, and get a free KidWind Kit to take home ($170 value)!

The energy-based content, combined with practical standards-connected activities, will make it easy to bring renewable energy to your classroom. Most workshops end with a tour of a local renewable energy facility such as a wind farm, solar farm or microgrid.

These workshops can serve as a refresher if you have previously used KidWind materials, and will be helpful even if you are not yet sure about attending a WI KidWind Challenge event. Workshops are open to formal and non-formal educators and materials are best for 4-12th grade students. Certificates of attendance and substitute reimbursement to school districts (up to $150/educator) will be provided upon request.  

Workshop cost: $25 - $10 early bird discount available until 2 weeks prior to workshop

Need more WI KidWind? Come to Coaches' Happy Hours:

Join us for a virtual casual drop-in on Zoom to chat with other coaches, share ideas, and ask questions. KidWind advisors and organizers will be on hand to answer all your questions - from engineering and design tips and tricks, to FAQ about the registration process and what to expect on Challenge Day. Come for the whole hour or just a portion! Having a team is not a prerequisite. All are welcome to come and inquire about Wisconsin KidWind. 

Keep in touch!

To be added to an email list for upcoming workshops and KidWind opportunities, fill out this form.

Questions or comments? Email outreach@energy.wisc.edu 

Past Workshops

  • Milwaukee: Green and Healthy Schools Conference, Fondy Park and Farmers Market | August 2021
  • Madison: UW–Madison Arboretum | September 2021
  • Eau Claire: Pablo Center at the Confluence | October 2021
  • Milwaukee: Vincent High School | October 2021
  • Green Bay: NWTC Great Lakes Energy Education Center | September 2022
  • Eau Claire: Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley | October 2022
  • Milwaukee: Ingeteam, USA | October 2023
  • Platteville: UW–Platteville | October 2023

For a recorded overview of the KidWind Program in Wisconsin, click here >> 

 

Educators pose for a photo during a previous KidWind Workshop, showing off their turbines. Educators pose for a photo during a previous KidWind Workshop, showing off their turbines. Chelsea Mamott
A teacher and the workshop instructor work on attaching a hub and blade set to the turbine in front of a box fan. During the workshop participants learn about blade design concepts throughs hands on activities that are ready for the classroom.
Kidwind Workshop