The 2024 Clean Energy Olympics was once again a hybrid event. Thirteen teams competed in-person on March 23rd at Begich Middle School and another ten teams presented their projects virtually in the week before the competition. Teams representing Anchorage, Wasilla, Girdwood, Fairbanks, Juneau, Newhalen and North Pole ranging from 4th to 10th grade engineered model wind turbines that they tested for power output in a wind tunnel or using a fan at their school. One team brought their solar design which was tested under a set of shop lights. Each team presented their designs to expert judges who evaluated them based on design innovation and appearance, data collection and documentation, and presentation quality. The students also took knowledge tests evaluating their energy and climate literacy.
Although the in-person showcase and virtual presentations were full of inspiring moments, the real magic happened throughout the student’s engineering design journey.
The Design Process
Students began designing their wind turbines in January and February. Most teams started with a KidWind model wind turbine and began designing blades that meticulously balanced the forces of friction, drag, and lift. All teams went through various iterations, testing different variables like number of blades, blade shape, blade material, and pitch angle. With every independent variable changed the students had to simultaneously adjust other variables to find the perfect combination.
The design process challenged teams to work collaboratively, failing and succeeding together, while helping support one another.
Full Competition Results
* teams attending the World KidWind Challenge
Elementary Wind Virtual Division
- 1st Place- Wind Winners (Pearl Creek Elementary, Fairbanks)
- 2nd Place- CORN (Mendenhall River Community School, Juneau)
Elementary Wind In-Person Division
- 1st Place: AK Blade Runners (American Charter Academy, Wasilla)*
- 2nd Place: AK Explosion (American Charter Academy, Wasilla)
- 3rd Place: Wind Riders (American Charter Academy, Wasilla)
Middle School Wind Virtual Division
- 1st Place: Clark MS Team 6.0 (Clark Middle School, Anchorage)
- 2nd Place: Clark MS Team 6.1 (Clark Middle School, Anchorage)
- 3rd Place: Clark MS Team 5 (Clark Middle School, Anchorage)
Middle School In-Person Division
- 1st Place: Win Wind Situation (American Charter Academy, Wasilla)*
- 2nd Place: Blade Runners (American Charter Academy, Wasilla)
- 3rd Place: Girdwood Grizzlies 2 (Girdwood K-8, Girdwood)
Middle School Wind Open Generator Division
- 1st Place: Bering Breeze (American Charter Academy, Wasilla)*
High School Wind Division
- 1st Place: Patriot Power (North Pole High, North Pole)
- 2nd Place: The Eco Amigos (Newhalen School, Newhalen)
Middle School Solar
- 1st Place: H2 Castle (American Charter Academy, Wasilla)*
Special Recognition Awards
- Instant Challenge Champions: Girdwood Grizzlies 3
- Spirit of KidWind Award: Stellar 6 & Bering Breeze
- Dream Team Award: Girdwood Grizzlies 1
- Positivity Award: Three Stooges
- Picasso Award: The Eco Amigos
Four teams from Alaska have qualified for the World KidWind Challenge in Minneapolis May 5-8. Congratulations to AK Blade Runners, Win Wind Situation, Bering Breeze, and H2 Castle for being chosen to represent Alaska at Worlds! We know you’ll blow away the competition!
It Takes a Village
The 2024 Clean Energy Olympics was organized by Renewable Energy Alaska Project and sponsored by Cook Inlet Region Inc., Matanuska Electric Association, Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Solar, Chugach Electric Association, and the Office of Naval Research.
Thank you to all the volunteer judges, coaches, and parents for supporting Alaska’s young engineers! See y’all next year!
