A grant from 3M funded a multi-state 4H Power of Wind project that uses inquiry-based learning to teach youth about wind power and developing STEM competencies. Through hands-on experience with building wind turbines, youth discover how turbines generate electricity by asking questions, using tools, constructing, predicting, testing, observing, measuring, recording data, troubleshooting, comparing results, and optimizing - with adults acting as facilitators rather than directly teaching knowledge. The project trains youth to generate their own understanding through active exploration and questioning.

1. Developing STEM competencies
through Inquiry Based Learning

2. 4H Power of Wind Project
3M Provided a Grant for a Multi
State Power of Wind Project
Youth DISCOVER how Turbines
generate electricity through
HANDS –ON EXPERIENCE

3. Wind Power Expertise Needed…
 The explosion of knowledge has
made educators realize that
they just can’t “know it all”; no
one can…
 Effective teaching models today
assume the approach of the
“guide on the side” rather than
the “sage on the stage”.
 Your job is not to “know it all” but
rather to set up a good learning
experience for kids.

4. TOOLS…

5. Challenge: Generate Electricity

6. Completed Nacelle…

7. STEM COMPENCIES
 Ask Questions
 Use Tools
 Construct
 Predict
 Test
 Observe
 Measure
 Record Data
 Troubleshoot
 Compare
Results
 Optimize
 Communicate

8. 4H Power of Wind Training
Ames Iowa
1/21/10
Dr. Mike Lindstrom
Mike.r.lindstrom@gmail.com

10. Middelgrunden,Denmark

11. INQUIRY BASED LEARNING
 Inquiry Learning = Discovery!
 In inquiry-based learning, youth build
understanding through active
exploration and questioning.
 The key to Inquiry Learning:
◦ YOUTH seek answers to questions rather
than being given answers.
◦ ADULTS FACILITATE the learning
process and not simply disseminate
knowledge.

12. So what do we tell them?
 Any safety-related information (the
“discovery method” is not the best way
to learn safety)
 To reflect
 To try things
 To talk to others (including experts)
 Respond with a question when
possible
 Provide hints if needed

13. Where the Power of Wind is being
Taught