TOPEKA, Kan. – 22 teams from 17 Kansas schools will compete this weekend in the KidWind Challenge state competition in Topeka.
The KidWind Challenge is a fun way for students to explore the power of wind by building and testing wind turbines and then competing in a supportive environment. However, KidWind isn’t just about wind energy. It’s also about STEM and all the life skills that derive from the practical application of STEM in our lives – problem solving, teamwork, and scientific measurement, to name a few.
The KidWind Challenge takes place each spring and is open to students in grades 4-12. Teams comprised of 3-5 students and an adult coach build a turbine before attending a regional KidWind Challenge event where they compete against other teams. Teams are judged on a number of factors, including turbine speed, design, and knowledge of wind dynamics.
The regional winners advance to the KidWind state competition where the top teams are selected to represent Kansas at the National KidWind Challenge. Teams can come from public schools, private schools, home schools, after-school clubs, etc. Check out the video below to learn more.
Last year, the Hutchinson Allen STEM KidWind Blue Team advanced on from state to win the National Championship in their age division. This year’s state competition will be held on Saturday, March 25, at Hotel Topeka at City Center, beginning at 9 a.m. It is free for the public to attend.
Area teams competing include Hutch STEM Blue from Allen Magnet School in Hutchinson, Cyclones from Sterling Jr/Sr High School, Aquarians from Sterling High School, and Cru Winds from Buhler High School.
The top two teams in each age bracket will advance on to represent Kanas in the National KidWind Challenge in Boulder, CO.
Learn more at https://kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/kidwind.
