Wind Power

November 15, 2010
In this informative craft book, a celebration of wind and of innovative efforts to harness its energy, Dobson describes the geometric and aerodynamic principles behind windmills, sails, and wind turbines, then implements these concepts via 20 paper projects, ranging from a two-blade pinwheel to a dramatic "Squirrel Cage" turbine. Some may be put off by the text-heavy layout, but readers should gain a more palpable understanding of the subject matter by building and watching the graceful compositions function. Ages 10–up.

January 1, 2011

Gr 6-10-Dense verbal descriptions of how wind power works from when it was first used to propel boats down the Nile to modern-day wind farms might challenge all but the most dedicated readers, but those who stick with them will get a general idea of the theory behind windmills, their detriments and benefits. Vivid color photographs and illustrations appear on each spread to depict the history of windmills and illuminate the concepts described. These include Bernoulli's Principle, Betz's Law, and explanations of turbulence and vibration in relation to size. A full spread is dedicated to the Beaufort Wind Force Scale. Descriptions and projects resemble pinwheels, but demonstrate horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines. Dobson explains that it is testing that will teach readers the most, so he diminishes the project steps to encourage more trials. Model materials include those as simple as watercolor paper, pushpins, and beads and that require tools such as scissors, rulers, X-Acto knives, and compasses. Others involve steel rods, wood, wire, bearings, and cap nuts and tools such as drill presses, handsaws, and French curves. Documented with clean photography and geometric illustration, these projects have great potential to inspire experimentation, especially for students skilled in geometry and graphic arts. All but one of the additional print resources are adult materials; the websites, including Wikipedia, are uneven. While not specifically science-project oriented, this volume could serve as support material for wind energy projects.-Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

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