Wind Power Handbook » Wind for Kids

Wind Songs

Timlynn Babitsky — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:29:39 +0000

by Timlynn Babitsky
I’ve been on a hunt for songs and music with the beauty of wind as the theme. There are certainly a number of songs about the terrible power of wind. You know, sinking ships, blowing away dreams and that kind of thing. I posted my query to one of the best folk music websites thinking there MUST be some great ”good wind” folk songs….and three songs were immediately posted in reply:

Blow The Man Down
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Watching Lake Michigan Roll

Ok, so two of the three are definitely NOT wind-positive. And, I can’t find the lyrics for Lee Murdock’s Watching Lake Michigan Roll. But I’m guessing it may be more about the water and less positive about the wind — who knows?

This is only the first reply I got on the AlleyChat forum (at one of the best 24/7 listener supported live-streaming folk music websites I know - Folk Alley). So maybe there will be others. I’ll let you know.

Now, back to my hunt — here’s what I’ve been able to find as “wind is good” songs so far today. You will recognize these I’m sure at Everything Pre-School. It tickles me to see that these are positive wind songs for the littlest wind lovers.

I’m still looking….

If you know the lyrics to Murdock’s song or if you can think of a positive folk song about wind…. how about a comment! – or drop me an e-mail.

A very, VERY small turbine

Timlynn Babitsky — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:32:45 +0000

by Timlynn Babitsky
A fully functioning, electricity-producing wind turbine standing only 8 inches tall? The PicoTurbine teaches wind energy concepts to kids from grade 5 to adult. It’s been used by major universities like MIT and Caltech for summer youth programs, comes with teacher’s guide and more.

PicoTurbine is the only kit of its kind to demonstrate the power of wind as a renewable energy resource. The instructor’s guide contains classroom ideas and experiments, as well as technical notes for older children or adult experimenters.

The turbine directly drives a permanent magnet brushless alternator that you build. All the parts are included in the kit. This kit has been built by thousands of kids worldwide for science fairs, science reports, homeschool projects, and just plain fun! The Pico Turbine folks say there is “No other kit like it in the world.”

As a grade 6-9 teacher from many years ago and a social activist in support of wind energy today – this kit sounds really exciting. I haven’t had a hands-on test of the PicoTurbine myself, but from everything I see on line at the PicoTurbine website the kit looks like a great educational resource for teachers, parents and kids as well. If any of you have used this kit – tell us what you think.

Wind for Schools Montana – Needs your Help

Timlynn Babitsky — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:21:26 +0000

by Timlynn Babitsky
The Department of Energy has selected Montana as one of five states to participate in the inaugural year of the Wind for Schools Program. While the Program has received a three-year commitment from DOE to fund Host School curriculum development and the establishment of a Wind Applications Center (WAC) at MSU-Bozeman the program is in danger.

Additional resources must be secured for the installation of a small wind energy system at each of five Montana Host Schools: Cascade, Fairfield, Stanford, Livingston, and one school yet to be selected in Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) service territory.

The Wind for Schools Program has sought the financial support of NorthWestern Energy’s Universal System Benefits (USB) fund in their bi-annual grant review in Fall ’07. NorthWestern Energy declined to commit to any funding for the Wind for Schools at this time, siting poor project cost effectiveness and lack of information regarding local support and Program longevity as main concerns.

Wind for Schools Montana is now turning to the general public for financial and in-kind contributions to the Program. Businesses, individuals, government offices, and NGOs are encouraged to show their support for energy education and rural economic development by becoming a Bronze ($1,000), Silver ($2,500), Gold ($10,000), or Platinum ($20,000)

Please sponsor Wind for Schools Montana. In-kind contributions are needed in the form of necessary project labor or materials such as electrical wire and equipment, concrete, and crane/excavator time. Each project will cost $12,500 to $15,000 to implement. All contributions are tax-deductible, and will result in recognition in regional media and on a permanent plaque to be placed at each school.

Please contact State Facilitator Sean Micken at (406) 581-8460, or smicken@westerncommunityenergy.com for more information.

This note comes by way of Montana Economic Development Association (MEDA).

Click on the Wind for Schools program for general information, teachers resources, and so much more.