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.
What happens at the Wisconsin KidWind Challenge?
At the Challenge, 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 2-5 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 2025 World KidWind Challenge taking place in May.
Ready to get started?
Registration for the 2025 WI KidWind Challenge will open in November.
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. The 2024-25 Rulebook will be shared when available.
What's this about solar?
The Wisconsin KidWind Challenge event is growing our solar device competition, just for the elementary and middle school age groups. 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!