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KidWind Challenge Resources

Tips and Resources for Getting Started

Documents and Videos
  • 2026 Overview & Eligibility [PDF]
  • Tips for a Successful Challenge [PDF]
  • 2025 Informational Webinar Recording and Slideshow [Video and PDF]
  • 2025 Resources (including curriculum) related to wind energy [Google Doc]
  • Meet Brendan Devening [video] - Previous KidWind Fellow, current KEP staff member and K-State Engineering student. Brendan is a great resource if your students have more advanced questions, such as homebuilt or open-division generators, 3D printing, etc. Your students might also prefer chatting with a college student who has experienced the KidWind Challenge firsthand. Send us an email with your questions or to set up a call/Zoom with Brendan.

Challenge Materials

Rules and Logistics
  • 2026 Kansas Rules and Logistics [PDF]
  • 2025-2026 World Wind Guidebook
    • The World rules will be needed if your team advances to the national competition. 
KidWind Challenge Scoresheets

These are the scoresheets used for the four different parts of the competition:

  • 2025 Kansas KidWind Challenge Checklist [PDF)
  • 2025 Judges' Scoresheet [PDF]
  • 2025 Performance Testing Scoresheet [PDF]
  • 2026 Instant Challenge Scoresheet [PDF]
Other Documents (for Teachers/Coaches)

Documents teachers need to submit or bring with them
Note: Teachers registered for the Challenge will receive these documents by email

  • 2025 Photo Release Form [PDF] 
  • 2025 Team Information Form [Google Form] 
  • 2025 KidWind Reimbursement Request Form [Fillable PDF] (This form will be updated in January 2026).
  • 2024 IRS Blank W-9 Form [PDF] (This form will be updated in January 2026).

Classroom Resources

Activities & Puzzles
students standing arms to arms to measure wind turbine

Activities & Curricula

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:

  • KidWind Challenge: Prep Activities
  • KidWind Challenge: Student Datasheet
  • Be the Blade Activity
  • Firefly Wind Wheel - Blade Investigation Lesson
  • Gear Ratio Activity
  • MacGyver Windmill
  • Measure the Distance Activity
  • Mini Windmill
  • Sailcar Challenge
  • Wind Siting
5 arrows pointing right

Games and Puzzles

  • KidWind Phone Numbers Game
  • Parts of a Wind Turbine Word Search
  • Wind Energy Crossword Puzzle
  • Wind Turbine Logic Game
Study Guides
  • 4-5 Division Study Guide [Google Slides, *2025 version]
  • 6-8 Division Study Guide [Google Slides, *2025 version]
  • 9-12 Division Study Guide [Google Slides, *2025 version]

* No major changes are anticipated for the 2026 version of the study guides. These will be available on this webpage by early December 2025.

Online Games

These online review games can help prepare your students for the KidWind Challenge, especially the knowledge quiz: 

  • Kahoot!
  • Blooket
  • Gimkit
  • Quizlet
Equipment and Materials
Photo of Vernier KidWind Generator (silver generator with red and black wires)

KidWind Wind Turbine Generator

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.

Photo of wind turbine kit (wind turbine and accessories)

KidWind Basic Wind Turbine Kit

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.

Image of sensor (gray box with writing on it) and red and black wire

Vernier Go Direct Energy Sensor

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.

4 box fans combined together with area for wind turbine to sit in

Vernier Wind Tunnel

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.

Logos for 2025 KidWind Challenge Sponsors

Want to be a sponsor?

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!


KidWind Challenge

  • Activities & Curricula
  • K-12 Energy Benchmarking Project
  • KidWind Challenge
    • T-Shirt Design Contest
    • Upcoming Events
    • KidWind Resources
    • KidWind Registration
    • Past Results
  • Games and Puzzles
  • Equipment Library
  • Fact Sheets
  • Presentations & Workshops


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K-State Innovation Center
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Ph: 785-532-6026
ksenergyprog@ksu.edu

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