When it comes to wind turbines, Westbury Middle School students know their stuff. Rachel Worsham, Marisa Sorto, Elizabeth Gilbert and Alahna Perez made up The Windy Maniacs, a team of Westbury eighth graders that recently took first place in the Kid Wind Challenge at the Cradle of Aviation.
The STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) focused project allowed students a hands-on way to learn, as students in Richard Canalini and William Gray’s technology classes worked in groups to create wind turbines. The three groups with the wind turbines that created the highest voltage then went on to the Cradle to compete against more than 40 other teams from seven other schools.
The Wind Maniacs said that their competitive spirit kicked into high gear once they found out there was an award at stake, and especially since Westbury had won second place last year. They put in time before and after school and during their lunch periods to work on their turbines.
“When we found out about the competition, we wanted to put our best efforts in,” said Perez. “And knowing the team previously had won second place, we wanted to beat that,” added Worsham.
Westbury took almost 30 students to the Cradle to compete. The students noted that it was a nerve-wracking, but fun experience.
“I was nervous at first, because there was a lot of pressure, but once we got there the judges were really nice. It was a lot of fun,” said Perez.
The students all tested their wind turbines for the judges and also had to do a Power Point presentation for the judges, many of whom
were retired Northrop Grumman engineers.
The girls noted it was a huge shock when the judges called The Wind Maniacs as the first place winners.
“When they called third and second place we thought that was it but then they called us and we were all so surprised,” said Worsham.
Canalini says what set the team apart was their extensive knowledge of the topic.
“They knew what they were doing. The judges were totally impressed by them. They didn’t get stumped on any questions, they did their research and were well prepared,” said Canalini. “They definitely excelled in the way they were able to present.”
Canalini says that though the project ended two weeks ago, students in his classes still want to learn more about turbines.
“A lot of them want to learn more. The students are still working and looking to improve their turbines. If anything, it’s a spark plug to keep them going,” says Canalini. “Hopefully they take an interest and it will become a career path.”
