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 challenge events 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.
In 2027, the Wisconsin KidWind Program is growing to include two Regional Challenges that serve as qualifying events for the Wisconsin State KidWind Challenge.
What happens at a Wisconsin Regional KidWind Challenge?
At a 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 problem solving
- Explore careers in clean energy
Who can participate in the Challenge?
Any group of students in grades 3-12 is eligible participate. 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 3-5 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.
Is there a cost?
No. The Challenge is free to compete in and attend thanks to generous support from our sponsors.
Register to attend the Regional Challenge that works best for your team!
2027 Regional Challenges:
- Friday, February 5th - Southeastern WI Regional Challenge, Oak Creek, WI
- Thursday, February 11th - Northwestern WI Regional Challenge, Eau Claire, WI
Top performers will be invited to the 2027 Wisconsin State KidWind Challenge taking place at UW–Madison on March 13th!
Ready to get started? Register your team(s) today.
Stay tuned. Registration will open in Fall 2026.
Click here for a pdf preview of the 2026 Registration Form.
Rulebooks:
For detailed information on preparing for the Challenge, all teams should carefully read the rulebook for their challenge. Coaches of registered teams will receive additional detailed information on Wisconsin rules, schedules, and what to expect in the months leading up to the event.
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 or 608-890-0946.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a barrier free campus and is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. If you need an accommodation for this event please let us know by emailing outreach@energy.wisc.edu or calling 608-890-0946. Requests made with less than 3 weeks’ notice will be honored when possible.
Interested in Sponsoring Wisconsin KidWind?
Join a growing group of organizations who make Wisconsin KidWind possible. Check out our sponsorship document to learn more.