Create this basic spinning rotor supported on a pyramid with paper blades with reduced friction for easy rotation. Wind turbines with a vertical axis can catch the wind from any angle.

Please note this resource was tailored for US schools and may require adjustments to suit UK schools.

🇬🇧 Teacher Notes

Overview and Objectives

Materials

Build a pyramid for the turbine’s base

Build internal support and attach inside base

Make a rotating beam to hold the turbine blades

Make supports for turbine blades

Draw and cut 5 triangles  from paper then tape on supports for turbine blades

Attach the turbine blades in the rotating beam on the base

Test the vertical turbine’s rotation harnessing the wind!

Build

STEAM Classroom

United States

Energy

Environment

Forces

Renewable Energy

Create a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine