After an exciting few weeks learning about engineering and renewable energy concepts, 24 student teams in Mead Elementary’s fourth grade class were finally able to test their wind turbine designs.

In collaboration with the KidWind Project team from Colorado State University (CSU), students in four scheduled sessions were given the opportunity to build, modify, and test their cardboard wind turbine designs in a powerful wind tunnel. Surrounded by their peers, each student team placed their turbine into the wind tunnel and waited eagerly to see if the vacuum of air would spin their propellers. Each design was highly unique and reflected the student groups’ thought process and problem-solving skills. At the end of the day, once all teams had the opportunity to test their turbines, students with the most effective designs were celebrated.

For many students whose turbine’s propellers were unable to spin, this didn’t necessarily signify failure. Instead, many students expressed that this was an opportunity to learn more about the design process and to develop critical teamwork skills. “Even if our design didn’t work, we learned things that we can do better next time,” said fourth grade student Hadley Griffith. This growth mindset is an important part of the STEAM/Energy Lab’s mission.

Hands-on experiences with the help of community members are one of the many important ways in which St. Vrain Valley Schools continues to foster academic excellence. ”We like to emphasize the hands-on nature of engineering and the importance of the process — not just the end result,” said Mike Estergard, Colorado State University’s Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Engineering Institute. Similarly, Tyler Swanson, STEAM/Energy Lab Specials Teacher, expressed, “At Mead Elementary, our students learn that with STEAM and engineering, failing is the first part of learning. We emphasize learning opportunities where groups must collaborate and problem-solve, and this event truly showcased the positive results from working through the design process.

The KidWind Challenge at Mead Elementary was a valuable learning experience that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and perseverance. By engaging in hands-on problem-solving, students gained a deeper understanding of engineering principles and the iterative design process. With the support of CSU’s KidWind Project team and the dedication of their teachers, these young engineers walked away not only with new knowledge but also with the confidence to embrace challenges and keep innovating.