2026 Informational Webinar Recording and Slideshow [Video and PDF]
Meet Brendan Devening [Video] - Brendan is a previous KidWind Fellow, current KEP staff member, and current K-State Engineering student. He is a great resource if your students have more advanced questions, such as homebuilt or open-division generators, 3D printing, etc. Send us an email with your questions or to set up a call/Zoom with Brendan.
These are the scoresheets used for the four different parts of the competition:
Documents teachers need to submit or bring with them
Note: Teachers registered for the Challenge will receive these documents by email
Wondering how to get started? Check out our Prep Activities guide, which highlights recommended activities by age division, including some of those listed below. Our Student Datasheet is a great way to guide students into testing out wind turbine variables and collecting data.
Highlighted wind energy-focused activities & curricula:
* No major changes are anticipated for the 2026 version of the study guides. The updated version will be available on this webpage in December 2025.
This is the ONLY item that must be used when competing in the Kansas KidWind Challenge.
These are available for purchase from Vernier. The cost is $21 for three generators or $60 for a package of 10. You can also contact the Kansas Energy Program (KEP) team at ksenergyprog@ksu.edu or 785-532-6026 and we will send one per team at no cost.
If you’re looking to kick-start your turbine building, consider a wind experiment kit, which includes all the components needed to build a wind turbine. These turbines are a great starting point for newer teachers or students. Just remember – points are awarded for creativity, so we recommend branching out when participating in the KidWind Challenge!
These are available to purchase from Vernier; an advanced kit is also available. You can also contact the KEP team at ksenergyprog@ksu.edu or 785-532-6026 – we have a limited number available.
Vernier has a few types of sensors for measuring the energy output of a wind turbine. We have found the Go Direct Energy Sensor to be the easiest – it connects by Bluetooth to your computer, phone, or tablet, and has a built-in 30-ohm resistor. For more information and to borrow one from KEP, visit our loan page for this piece of equipment. If you borrow a wind tunnel, the energy sensor will be included.
The wind tunnel from Vernier allows students to test the energy output of their wind turbines and is used in the KidWind Challenge. When set up, the tunnel measures 4’ wide x 4’ tall x 5’ long and needs at least 8-10’ of open space on either end to allow good airflow. When you borrow a wind tunnel from KEP, it includes a Vernier GoDirect Energy Sensor, anemometer, and water weights. Click here to request to loan the tunnel and find out more information.
Do you want your own wind tunnel, but can’t afford the official tunnel from Vernier? Richard, a REcharge instructor in Wisconsin, has graciously made available the plans and instructions to build your own wind tunnel using a 44” diameter shop/barn fan. Instructions can be found on his blog:
Safe blade materials are a requirement for all teams - no sharp edges! The KEP team has corrugated plastic and some chip board for teams to use when constructing blades. KEP can ship or deliver blade materials to teams on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can contact the KEP team at ksenergyprog@ksu.edu or 785-532-6026 – supplies are limited!
Many teams will 3D print blades, gears, or other components of the wind turbines. If you want to 3D print, but don’t have access to a 3D printer, contact the KEP at ksenergyprog@ksu.edu. We can coordinate 3D printing through K-State’s Hale Library at no cost to schools. You will need to design your own component to be printed and send KEP the file.
Files to 3D print your own KidWind gears are located here.
If you're interested in sponsoring the KidWind Challenge or our other energy-related STEM activities, send us a message! Here's the list of benefits for our 2026 KidWind Challenge Sponsors!
