Wind turbines catch the wind and turn it into electricity to give us power.

When the wind blows strongly enough in one direction, it acts as a push force that makes the blades on the turbine spin.

Just like when you push your friend on the swing!

A cartoon of two girls at a swing set. One girl stands and pushes the other as they play together.

But something else is happening!

All moving things have something called energy!

A strong wind has a lot of energy. When it hits the blades, it gives some of its energy to the wind turbine. A smaller machine inside the wind turbine uses this energy to create electricity for our communities.

THINK-PAIR-SHARE

We can also create electricity from burning things – like oil or coal.

Think about what happens when you burn something. Why do you think using wind is cleaner and better for our planet?