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How Do Wind Turbines Work? — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS3-1

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This NGSS-aligned reading passage for middle school students explains how wind turbines convert the energy of moving air into electricity. It describes the basic parts of a wind turbine—blades, shaft, and generator—and how they work together to create clean, renewable energy. The text also introduces the concept of wind farms and discusses both the benefits and challenges of wind power. Aligned with NGSS standard MS-ESS3-1, this passage promotes science literacy and real-world understanding of sustainable energy systems. It supports vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and environmental awareness in physical and Earth science education.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Wind turbines are machines that turn wind into electricity. They are an important source of renewable energy because they use a natural force—the wind—that never runs out. Wind turbines help power homes, schools, and businesses without polluting the air.

A wind turbine has three main parts: the blades, the shaft, and the generator. When the wind blows, it pushes the blades, causing them to spin. The spinning blades turn the shaft inside the turbine. This shaft is connected to a generator, which produces electricity as it turns.

Wind turbines are usually placed in open, windy areas like plains, hills, or near oceans. These areas are chosen because they have steady, strong winds that help the turbines work more efficiently. Sometimes, many wind turbines are built together in a large area called a wind farm.

The electricity made by the turbines travels through power lines to homes and buildings. Wind energy is clean because it does not release greenhouse gases or other pollution into the air. It also helps reduce the need for fossil fuels like coal and oil.

There are some challenges with wind turbines. They only produce electricity when the wind is blowing. Also, some people believe turbines are too noisy or change the look of the landscape. But engineers are working to make wind turbines quieter and more efficient.

Wind turbines show how we can use the power of nature to meet our energy needs. They are a smart way to create clean electricity and protect the planet.

Fun Fact: The blades of a large wind turbine can be as long as a football field!

What do wind turbines use to make electricity?

SunlightMoving waterWindFossil fuels

What part of a wind turbine spins when the wind blows?

GeneratorShaftBladesBase

What does the generator in a wind turbine do?

Stores electricitySpins the bladesProduces electricityMeasures the wind

Where are wind turbines usually placed?

UndergroundBusy citiesOpen, windy areasRainforests

Why is wind energy considered clean?

It uses coalIt makes smokeIt creates greenhouse gasesIt does not pollute the air

What is a wind farm?