Unit 8 – Wind Energy – is comprised of 4 activities that have been informed by the ENERGE Energy Literacy Framework. A guide to the Framework can be found on the main page. Wind Energy investigates the power of the wind as a renewable source of energy and explores the implications of wind energy production for society and the environment. In this unit, the topic of wind energy and its efficiency and practicality as an alternative to fossil fuel based energy is investigated. In activity 8.1 students learn about wind energy by building an instrument to test wind speed and gathering scientific data and by testing it in different areas of the school grounds. In activities 8.2 and 8.3, students develop an understanding of how engineers use wind energy to generate electricity by designing, building and testing model wind turbines using basic materials. In activity 8.4 students have the opportunity to learn how governments and energy providers decide where to place wind turbines as well as research and communicate the advantages and disadvantages to using wind power compared to other non-renewable energy sources. The activities in this unit are suitable for lower and upper second level students. The energy literacy outcomes, the associated skills & competencies addressed and how the activities link to the national curricula are outlined in tables 8.1-8.3. A summary and download link for each activity is provided below.