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Renewable Energy

Building Solar & Wind Systems

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In this lab, students are introduced to renewable energy, where they will learn about the benefits of renewable energy sources in contrast to the dangers of non-renewable energy sources. Students will learn how to build their own solar-powered and wind-powered turbine prototype, while trying to keep their costs as low as possible. 

This reflects how today’s engineers work to lower the cost of renewable energy sources in order to make them more appealing to the public.

Students will:
  • Analyze real-world problems and use critical thinking skills in order to solve them
  • Explore & describe renewable energy
  • Design and build a solar-powered turbine
  • Design and build wind turbine blade prototypes
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Explain the engineering process as it pertains to their design
Schedule This Lab
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    Lab intro video

    43 minutes

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    Lab type

    Lab kit provided at no cost

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    Live Q&A session and wrap up with

    College Students & Professional Engineers

Classroom Tools & Resources

Get access to all of the presentation materials, workbooks and resources to run the Renewable Energy lab in your classroom.

Lab Intro Videos

Get our engineer’s introduction to the lab topic and learn more about the lab activity.

If you've completed the lab intro, you can find additional optional lab extensions beginning at timecode 43:23.

Teacher Guide

Download the teacher guide to prepare for the lab and get access to pre-work, instructions and troubleshooting advice.

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Student Workbook

Access the interactive student workbook that includes questions and assessments throughout the lab presentation.

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Engineer’s Presentation

Preview the full lab presentation and save the link so you’re ready to share the presentation on lab day.

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Meet the lab intro host

Erik O. Einset
Operating Principal, Global Infrastructure Partners

Erik has over 25 years of experience in various engineering and leadership roles, including 17 years at GE in R&D, product development, process improvement, technical sales, and business management. Since 2008, he has been a member of the operations team at Global Infrastructure Partners, working on business improvement in a variety of infrastructure businesses in the energy and transportation sectors. Erik is the author of 6 patents and numerous technical publications, and holds Chemical Engineering degrees from Cornell University (BS) and the University of Minnesota (PhD).
Erik O. Einset

Operating Principal, Global Infrastructure Partners

Erik has over 25 years of experience in various engineering and leadership roles, including 17 years at GE in R&D, product development, process improvement, technical sales, and business management. Since 2008, he has been a member of the operations team at Global Infrastructure Partners, working on business improvement in a variety of infrastructure businesses in the energy and transportation sectors. Erik is the author of 6 patents and numerous technical publications, and holds Chemical Engineering degrees from Cornell University (BS) and the University of Minnesota (PhD).
Lab Day Keynote

Every Engineering Tomorrow Lab Day event ends with an inspiring keynote from an engineering expert. Watch this one from the latest Renewable Energy Lab Day.

Alexandra Coleman

Head of Centrica Business Solutions North America

WHY ENGINEERING TOMORROW
Labs are always conducted with no cost to schools, teachers or students.
Hands-on student activities get students excited and keep them engaged.
Cutting-edge instruction designed by professional engineers.
Ready to inspire a passion for engineering in your students?

Bring our Renewable Energy lab to your classroom now!

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