Everyday Engineering: Toying Around With Wind Ups

Journal Article | November 2012

This column provides an inside look at the marvels of engineering in everyday life. In this issue the authors use wind-up toys to introduce students to how gears interact.

Cape Wind: A Public Policy Debate for the Physical Sciences

Journal Article | June 2007

Since the industrial revolution, technological innovation and the application of basic scientific research have transformed society. Increasingly, critical conversations and legislation regarding national and…

How Does the Wind Blow? I Wonder Why (e-book)

eBook | July 2013

Wind is invisible, but watchful students can see how air in motion be detected by movement around them. This simple book introduces the different intensities of the wind, from gentle breezes that make flags flutter to…

Science 101: How can wind cause a bridge to collapse?

Journal Article | October 2009

First, you might need evidence that wind can cause a bridge to collapse. To see the evidence, put “Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse” into any internet search engine. Using this example from 1940 and a series of hands-on…

Taking Flight: Using a Wind Tunnel to Teach Aeronautic Principles

Journal Article | January 2000

Although December 17, 1903, is heralded as the date of the first controlled powered flight, Wilbur and Orville Wright may never have succeeded were it not for their groundbreaking work in aerodynamics with a homemade…

Integrating Science and Engineering Practices in an Inquiry-Based Lesson on Wind-Powered Cars

Journal Article | January 2013

Construct a wind-powered car to reinforce science content and practices.

Classic Lessons 2.0: Using Math to Support Claims About Wind-Dispersed Seeds

Journal Article | March 2017

This column shares updated perennial classroom favorites. In this lab exercise, students make a claim about factors influencing the travel distance of wind-dispersed seeds and then use the engineering design process to…