2026 Wisconsin KidWind Challenge

Event Description

The KidWind Challenge is a hands-on renewable energy competition that engages students in STEM. Student teams bring small-scale wind turbines or solar devices that they've designed to the Challenge where they will be tested for power output. Teams also meet with a panel of expert judges to present their design process and demonstrate their contextual knowledge and tackle instant challenge activities. The public is welcome to spectate, cheer on the teams, compete in a "friends and family blade building challenge" and engage in hands-on science activities at a Renewable Energy Expo during the event.

The WI KidWind Challenge is free and open to the public.

What happens at the Wisconsin KidWind Challenge?

At the Challenge, student teams will:

• Test their turbine or solar device's energy output

• Present in front of a panel of expert judges

• Complete instant challenges that test teamwork and hands-on problem solving

• Hear from college students studying renewable energy and competing in the Collegiate Wind Competition

• Engage with a dozen hands-on science stations related to clean energy and climate

• Explore careers in clean energy

Friends, family, and spectators are welcome and encouraged to come support competing teams. The challenge will begin with an opening ceremony at 9:00 am and wrap up with awards at 3:00 pm.

Who can participate in the Challenge?

Any group of students in grades 3-12 is eligible to enter a team. This includes students from public and private schools, home schoolers, after school clubs, Scout troops, etc. As long as you have a coach and a team, you can attend! Teams of 3-5 students seem to work best.

Each team must have a coach. The coach will be responsible for registering the team for the competition and managing the team’s progress. Neither KidWind nor the Wisconsin Energy Institute will provide or be responsible for supervision of students at a Challenge event.

Learn more and register

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