Three students from County Central High School in Vulcan won the third annual Kidwind Challenge held in Lethbridge April 29.
Rhys Kirk, Damion Grant and Cody Mclean built an exceptionally well functioning, aesthetically pleasing and professional looking windmill for the competition, says Jared Nieboer, the team’s teacher mentor.
The students made the windmill on their own, applying basic concepts about energy and forces learned in their science classes, while remaining in touch with their community to leverage local resources to the fullest.
“I am so impressed with what these boys built,” Nieboer said. “Upon seeing the final product, I was blown away. I knew the judges would be as well, and they were.”
The Kidwind Challenge provides the opportunity to apply science concepts to development of real world solutions providing clean sustainable energy. This latest victory continues the winning tradition set by students within Palliser Regional School Division following two consecutive previous wins by teams from Picture Butte High School.
The 2014 competition was held in conjunction with Aggie Days at the Lethbridge Exhibition Grounds. The Kidwind Challenge aims to develop student competencies regarding teamwork, co-operation, problem solving and engineering skills.
For a video of the team’s two-blade windmill in action, please watch this video.