To encourage hands-on learning and student innovation, Vernier is sponsoring the 2017 National KidWind Challenge in which students will create and test hand-crafted wind turbines. For the challenge, teams of students in grades 4–12 will compete at the AWEA WINDPOWER 2017 Conference & Exhibition for the chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 cash, second place prize of $500 cash, and third place prize of $250 cash.

Vernier also sponsored the 2016 National KidWind Challenge where a total of 49 student teams built wind turbines, tested the energy output of their turbines, presented their design to judges, and performed several “Instant Challenges.” The 2016 winners were

High School Division

  • First Place: It’s Electrifying from Raisbeck Aviation High School in Tukwila, WA
  • Second Place: Catch My Drift from Raisbeck Aviation High School in Tukwila, WA
  • Third Place: 404 Name Not Found from The Hutchins School in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Middle School Division

  • First Place: Team Alpha Eagle from Minnetonka Middle School West in Chanhassen, MN
  • Second Place: High Voltage from Jack Jouett Middle School in Charlottesville, VA
  • Third Place: The Turbinators from Broadalbin-Perth Middle School in Amsterdam, NY

Learn more about the 2017 National KidWind Challenge and how to get involved »