The simpleGEN is an easy-to-build AC generator that allows students to explore the basics of electrical generator design. With the simpleGEN, you can demonstrate Faraday’s law, light LEDs, and perform experiments that explore how coils, magnets, and rotation affect electrical generation. With some quick modifications, you will be able to convert your generator to a simple motor and explore additional variables. You can also take your experiments to the next level by converting your simpleGEN into a wind turbine nacelle.
The simpleGEN classroom pack has enough materials to build 10 generators and includes three digital multimeters.
What's Included
SimpleGEN
- Wind Turbine Hub (1)
- Alligator clip cord pair (1)
- Digital multimeter (1)
- Sandpaper 1/8 sheet (1)*
- Magnet holder (1)
- Ceramic magnet (4)
- 8″ hex shaft with hub quick connect (1)
- 4″ hex shaft (1)
- Simple hand generator housing set (1)
- Dowels* (25)
- Red superbright LED* (1)
- Bi-polar LED bulb* (1)
- 28 gauge magnet wire with spool* (1)
Classroom Pack
- Wind Turbine Hub (10)
- Alligator clip cord pair (10)
- Digital multimeter (3)
- Sandpaper 1/8 sheet (10)*
- Magnet holder (10)
- Ceramic magnet (40)
- 8″ hex shaft with hub quick connect (10)
- 4″ hex shaft (10)
- Simple hand generator housing set (10)
- Dowels* (150)
- Red superbright LED* (10)
- Bi-polar LED bulb* (10)
- 28 gauge magnet wire with spool* (10)
* This part is a consumable and excluded from warranty.
Experiments and Lab Ideas
Free Experiments
Preview experiments for KidWind simpleGEN by downloading all three experiments. “Multiply the Power of simpleGEN” requires the Gear Set with Spool in addition to the simpleGEN kit. The downloads include student instructions in Microsoft® Word® format and instructor information in PDF format.
- Generate Power with simpleGEN
- Spin the simpleGEN with Wind
- Multiply Power of simpleGEN
Download all 3 simpleGEN experiments
Lab Ideas
Concepts
- Understanding clean energy
- Exploring energy transformations
- Exploring the relationship between energy and forces
- Developing and using physical models
- Collecting data with advanced tools
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics to explain and understand data
- Designing controlled experiments
- Optimizing designs
Lessons, Tips, and Challenges
Download lessons, learn tips for building turbines, and check out the KidWind Challenges.
