Wind Farms of the Future
The rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide, the result of humans burning fossil fuels, is causing the rise in global temperatures. To stop or slow this trend, we must transition to renewable energy (e.g., wind, solar). But where should these renewables be constructed? Dr. Julie Lundquist, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder, studies wind and the energy that can be produced by wind turbines (map right shows the location of wind farms in the United States, from Vox). Understanding wind patterns related to surface roughness and wind speeds (parameters featured in this Data Puzzle) across the United States allows scientists, engineers, and technicians to identify ideal locations for constructing wind turbines and help the United States and countries around the world meet their goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
In this virtual workshop, we will review strategies for how to facilitate the Wind Farms of the Future Data Puzzle in your middle and high school science classrooms. Participants will engage with the teaching materials (teacher guide, slide deck, student worksheet, and answer key) from both the teacher and student perspective and upon completion, be prepared to implement the Data Puzzle in their classroom.
Participants who complete and submit specified workshop tasks will receive a 3-hour PD certificate from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Explore this resource on the Data Puzzles website
