Wind Blade Challenge 2018 will be the competitions 10th birthday!

The Maine Wind Blade Challenge was created by the Maine Composites Alliance and The Maine Ocean and Wind Industry Initiative to offer an educational experience to the future of Maine's work force. The competition is offered to high school students and requires the application of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Students are given an introduction to the field of composites manufacturing by experimenting with the design and construction of scale model wind blades. This is a unique, hands-on experience where students are welcomed into a composites manufacturing facility to vacuum infuse their blades as well as connect with industry professionals.

Details:

• Students form teams (recommended no more than 4 students per team) and work together to design and construct their model wind blades. Resources will be offered to guide students and teachers in the process, including suggestions on materials and techniques from industry professionals, and past teams.
• Upon registration, teachers will recieve a registration form to be filled out and returned, an electronic form of the Guidebook, and photo release forms required for the day of the competition.
• Materials are mailed to the address provided.
• Connections with a regional composites manufacturer are made for teachers between February and April.
• On competition day, teams will travel to the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center where they will test their blades, and present their experience to a panel of judges.
• Winners will be awarded a work study opportunity in the Advanced Structures and Composites Center valued at $20,000!

Tentative Schedule:

8:00am - Check in begins and schedules are provided for the day

9:00am - Testing and presentations begin

12:00pm - Lunch is served (at no additional cost)

2:30pm - Winners are announced

While students wait for their turn to present or test their blades, there will be opportunities to tour the campus, network with students of the university, or observe other teams.

If you are interested in learning more about specific requirements for the competition please contact Heather Leonas at hleonas@mainewindindustry.com. I will be happy to answer any questions and offer support to your curriculum.