Wind Power
Background
As the consequences of burning fossil fuels become widely understood, societies worldwide are looking to renewable energy as a potential solution to the threat of climate change.
Hepburn Energy is a co-operative with Australia’s first community-owned wind farm. Two wind turbines known as Gale and Gusto have been offsetting the town of Daylesford since 2011. They produce enough clean energy to power 2100 homes.
Note: This program is offered in Terms 1 and 4 only. As it involves a field trip to Hepburn Energy Wind Rarm near Daylesford, students need to dress appropriately for the weather including wearing sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes and bring a warm jacket/coat.
Key Learning Question
How can wind power be used as a renewable energy source?
Learning Intentions
In this program students will:
- Learn about how wind can be used as a renewable energy source.
- Learn about how communities and the environment benefit from wind power.
- Understand the energy transformations that occur while generating wind power.
- Identify and measure experimental variables.
- Investigate how controlled experiments can improve efficiency when generating renewable energy.
Activities
The day is outlined below:
| 10.00 – 10.30 | Arrive at Leonards Hill Hall for an introduction, safety talk and toilet stop and then bus to Hepburn Energy Wind Farm. The introduction will be delivered by a Hepburn Energy educator. |
| 10.30 – 10.50 | See, think & wonder activity and outline of stations led by Hepburn Energy educator. |
| 10.50 – 11.50 |
Session 1: Rotation of four 15 minute activities:
|
| 11.50 – 12.00 | Bus back to Leonards Hill Hall for conclusion and toilet stop |
| 12.00 – 1.00 | Bus back to Ecolinc and lunch |
| 1.00 – 2.30 | Session 2: Wind power design challenge |
Note:
- When booking the bus, please ensure that the bus remains onsite for the duration of the excursion and the bus company is aware that the bus is required for the program outlined above.
- Maximum number of students for this program is 50 per day.
Victorian Curriculum 2.0
Earth & space sciences
- the sustainable use of Earth’s resources is influenced by whether the resources are renewable or non-renewable; the processes involved in resource extraction and energy production come with both benefits and risks to sustainability (VC2S8U09)
Science Inquiry
- reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses can be planned and conducted, including identifying independent, dependent and controlled variables where applicable, stating assumptions, recognising and managing risks, considering ethical issues and following protocols when accessing cultural sites and artefacts on Country and Place (VC2S8102)
- equipment can be selected and used to generate and record data with attention to precision, using digital tools as appropriate (VC2S8I03)
- data and information can be organised and processed by selecting and constructing representations including tables, graphs, keys, models and mathematical relationships (VC2S8I04)
- scientific methods, conclusions and claims can be analysed to identify assumptions, possible sources of error, conflicting evidence and unanswered questions (VC2S8I06)
Learning Continuum
The following Learning Continuum is a guide for teachers to show the links between the programs. Ecolinc offers onsite, online and through outreach. The Learning Continuum can be used to access Ecolinc resources to support the development of units of work.
Ecolinc Learn Online is an online learning management system offering interactive online courses for students and teachers. These courses can be undertaken either as a pre-visit, post-visit or stand-alone. Students are encouraged to do the pre-learning course before coming to Ecolinc for an onsite program.
Onsite:
