One of the easiest ways to demonstrate how wind power works is by showing the results directly. Connect a large fan blade to an electric motor and connect the leads of the electric motor to the terminals of a voltmeter. Hold the fan up so that it turns in the wind--the current generated will be reflected on the dial of the meter. Based on the voltage generated, calculate how many of these DIY generators would be required to run a light bulb, a refrigerator, or a computer.
Although the current image of a wind turbine--a small pod with large fan blades mounted atop a tall tower--is clean and modern, wind energy has been used as a renewable resource for thousands of years and comes in many different forms. Present the history of wind-based energy, from ship's sails to the pastoral windmills now associated with the Netherlands, and show what wind energy has been used for in addition to simply generating electricity.
As of early 2011, wind turbine deployment has accelerated swiftly as turbine technology improves and more people warm up to the concept---which some consider eyesores. Graphing the installed base of wind energy shows it is becoming more important; as a school project, consider how much further this can be developed. Only certain areas are suitable for wind turbines--consider how much more power can be generated before space runs out.
Not all wind energy is completely clean, and a school project could offer perspectives on the environmental implications of wind energy. On one hand, wind power can be compared to fossil fuel power generation from coal and oil, particularly in terms of pollution and carbon emissions. On the other hand, wind turbines have been faulted as a potential hazard to birds, and could possibly impact sensitive species. Consider what this implies for the expansion of wind power, particularly versus other sources of energy that may be even more environmentally destructive.