Seventh-grade students from Marais des Cygnes Valley recently put their engineering skills to the test at the KidWind Challenge, a hands-on design competition that highlights innovation in renewable energy.
The KidWind Challenge invites student teams to design, build, and test their own small-scale wind turbines and solar-powered homes. Through months of preparation, students apply science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts to create working models that demonstrate efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Each year, thousands of students across the country participate in the competition. The experience fosters curiosity and critical thinking while giving students a real-world understanding of clean energy technology. By designing their own renewable energy solutions, participants gain valuable insight into the growing field of sustainable power and the career opportunities it offers.
Beyond the competition itself, KidWind has developed into a global network with programming in more than 38 U.S. states and international partnerships. The organization supports educators by providing training, curriculum resources, and a strong professional community — all powered by a small but dedicated staff committed to advancing renewable energy education.
For the Marais des Cygnes Valley 7th graders, the event was more than just a contest. It was an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and experience firsthand how classroom lessons can translate into real-world impact.