With the Go Direct Energy Sensor from Vernier, students can connect a power source, such as a small wind turbine or solar panel and measure voltage (V), current (mA), resistance (Ω), power (mW), and energy output (Joules). The device uses the free Graphical Analysis 4 companion app, which is available for Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, iOS, and iPadOS. For simple energy measurements, the sensor includes a fixed load of 30 Ω by using a switch on the side of the device (this must be be turned on when testing wind turbines for KidWind).
More resources are shown below. If you're wanting to borrow a wind tunnel, keep in mind the energy sensor is already included as part of the wind tunnel kit.
Age Range All ages 3rd-5th grade 6th-8th grade 9th-12th grade
Equipment Type Sensors and measuring tools
Focus Area Wind energy
Program Area KidWind Challenge
