The KidWind Challenge is a hands-on renewable energy competition that engages students in STEM. Student teams bring small-scale wind turbines or solar devices that they've designed to the Challenge where they will be tested for power output. Teams also meet with a panel of expert judges to present their design process and demonstrate their contextual knowledge and tackle instant challenge activities. The public is welcome to come spectate, cheer on the teams, and engage in hands-on science activities at the Science Expo.
Join the Science Expo: 10:00 am - Noon
Come feel the energy in the air! A hands-on Science Exploration Expo, open to the public, will be held from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. There will be interactive science stations to explore related to energy, sustainability and climate, and you can watch as teams test and refine their model wind turbines. This event is free and open to the public.
- Explore hands-on science activities related to energy, sustainability and climate
- Interact with scientists and learn about their journeys
- Discover the KidWind Challenge and see participants in action
- And more!
Everybody is welcome to come explore energy and meet with UW–Madison students and researchers.
What happens at the Wisconsin KidWind Challenge?
At the 2024 Challenge, 19 student teams will:
- Test their turbine or solar device's energy output
- Present in front of a panel of expert judges
- Complete instant challenges that test teamwork and hands-on thinking
- Hear from college students studying renewable energy and competing in the Collegiate Wind Competition
- Explore careers in clean energy
Friends, family, and spectators are welcome and encouraged to come support competing teams.
Who can participate in the Challenge?
Any group of students in grades 3 to 12 is eligible to enter a team. This includes students from public and private schools, home schoolers, after school clubs, Scout troops, etc. As long as you have a coach and a team, you can attend! Teams of 2-6 students seem to work best.
Each team must have a coach. The coach will be responsible for registering the team for the competition and managing the team’s progress. Neither KidWind nor the Wisconsin Energy Institute will provide or be responsible for supervision of students at a Challenge event.
The Challenge is free to compete in and attend.
Top performers will be invited to the 2024 World KidWind Challenge taking place May 5-8, 2024 in Minneapolis.
Ready to get started?
Registration is closed for the 2024 WI KidWind Challenge. Save the date for the 2025 Challenge on Saturday, March 1st!
Click here for a pdf preview of the Registration Form.
For detailed information on preparing for the Challenge, all teams should read the 2023-24 Wind Challenge Rulebook
What's this about solar?
NEW in 2024, the Wisconsin KidWind Challenge event will pilot a solar device competition, just for the elementary age group. For more details, check out the 2023-204 Solar Rulebook.
Need gear?
Limited Renewable Energy Education Kits - both wind and solar - are available for Wisconsin Teachers who'd like to bring a team of students to the Challenge, but don't have the means to purchase gear. Please contact outreach@energy.wisc.edu for more information.
Questions or comments? Want to know more? Contact us at outreach@energy.wisc.edu!
We are proud to be Bronze Certified as a Green Event by the UW-Madison Office of Sustainability.