What exactly is KidWind?
The KidWind Challenge, which officially kicked off in 2009, is an annual event that allows students to explore the power of wind by building and testing their own wind turbines and then competing against other teams in their age division (4th-8th or 9th-12th). Check out our flyer for the event and watch our 3-minute overview video to see what the competition is like.
The top two winners in each age division from each of the regional challenges move on to compete at the statewide competition. Winning teams at the statewide KidWind Challenge are invited to the National KidWind Challenge. For 2023, we are planning six regional challenges in Kansas, as shown below. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at ksenergyprog@ksu.edu.
2023 KidWind Challenge Dates (registration not yet available)
- Southwest (Dodge City): Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023
- Northwest (Oakley): Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023
- Northeast (Overland Park): Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023
- Southcentral (Hutchinson): Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023
- Northcentral (Manhattan): Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
- Southeast (Burlington): Friday, Mar. 3, 2023
- State Challenge: Date to be determined (likely to be held on a Saturday in Topeka)
Wind Tunnels
To help teams prepare for their competitions, the Kansas Energy Program (KEP) will loan out its wind tunnels so teams can test and experiment with their turbines. You can email us to request a wind tunnel. Tunnels will be loaned out on a first-come, first-served basis for short periods of time to help KEP serve as many teams as possible. For teams that do borrow a tunnel, we have "How-To" videos to help with the setup and take down of the wind tunnels. Following these videos will help teams assemble the tunnel properly, keep all the pieces together, and prevent damage to the wind tunnel.
The 2021 season went virtual with the following teams advancing to represent Kansas in Nationals:
- 4th-8th grade Division 1st place - BTU Crew - Dighton Middle School, USD 482
- 4th-8th grade Division 2nd place - Team 2 - Beloit Junior-Senior High School, USD 273
- 9th-12th grade Division 1st place - Hawkmores - Wheatland High School, USD 292
- 9th-12th grade Division 2nd place - Just Levi - Paola Middle School, USD 368
- SPECIAL INVITE - Most Improved Overall - 9th-12 grade Division - Wind Jammers - Iola High School, USD 257
Resources for 2022 Season
Here are resources you might find useful (Links for 2023 will be updated as needed):
- 2022 National KidWind Rulebook (PDF)
- 2022 Kansas Rules and Logistics (PDF)
- Tips for a Successful Challenge (PDF)
- 2022 Informational Video (YouTube link)
- Resources (including curriculum) related to wind energy (PDF)
- Sources used for the 2022 Knowledge Quiz (PDF)
- 2022 Example Judging Scoresheet - Presentation (PDF)
- 2022 Photo Release Form (Printable PDF)
- 2022 Photo Release Form (Fillable PDF for email)
- 2022 Performance Testing Variables (Printable PDF)
- 2022 Performance Testing Variables (Fillable PDF)
- 2022 Instant Challenge Scoresheet (PDF)
- KidWind turbine generators can be purchased online (or you can contact us - we will provide one per team)
I'm Interested! What Now?
Registration links for the upcoming KidWind events can be found here under 2022. We’re excited to help you and your students learn more about renewable energy!
Past Kansas KidWind Challenge results