KidWind Simulation Challenge
Join KidWind and Flinn Scientific’s WhiteBox Learning (WBL) to try your hand at building a simulated turbine! In this National Challenge, students use the WhiteBox Learning simulation software to construct and test virtual turbines and wind farms. While learning the software takes a little time, students will not need any materials to participate. The only requirement is an internet-connected computer (tablets are not supported). View details on system requirements.
How Does it Work?
Divisions
There are three divisions (4-5, 6-8, 9-12) in the National Simulation Challenge. Students can participate alone or on a team. If you are on a team, please note that each participant's performance in the sim will be aggregated using an algorithm that includes all team members' scores.
Scoring & Leaderboard
A weekly leaderboard of the top performers will be posted.
Performance scores for each team or individual are derived from participants' quiz scores, design iterations, and design performance on the turbine and wind farms. These scores then determine your standing in the KidWind National Simulation Challenge. Additional rules are listed below.
- For teams consisting of only one student, their overall team score will be determined by the individual performance score in the simulator.
- For teams consisting of more than one student, their overall team score will be calculated by combining team members' individual performances with additional weight placed on the score of the team's top performer. For example, in a team of 4 students, the top performing team member's score will account for 60% of the overall team score, while the remaining 40% of the score will be calculated by averaging the individual scores of the 3 other team members.
Informational Webinars
We held an informational webinar to learn more about the 2022 National Simulation Challenge and how to participate. You can watch it here.
Registration
The 2023 National Simulation Challenge is now closed. Check back in September for details about the 2024 National Simulation Challenge which will launch in January of 2024.