The West Hempstead School District is proud to announce that West Hempstead Secondary School’s science research students were awarded $1,000 for their entry into the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025-26 Education Contest.
Solve for Tomorrow addresses the countrywide academic challenge of increasing students’ pursuit of science, technology, engineering and math education. Students are tasked with showing how STEM can be applied to help improve their communities. This year, West Hempstead’s students are designing a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The goal is to create compact turbines that can be mounted on highway median barriers to harvest wind energy from passing traffic and natural currents. By installing arrays of these 18-inch turbines, the students aim to power local streetlights and warning signs.
The team projects that installing 50-100 units on a single barrier could charge a battery bank sufficient to power 20-30 streetlights. The students began their work in October by researching academic articles to determine the optimal aerodynamic shape. They were assisted in this phase by their new technology teacher, Mr. Giorlando, who helped improve their 3D modeling skills in Tinkercad.
Currently, the team is working with physics teacher Mr. Johnsen to design a wiring system that maximizes energy output. Once complete, they will connect the turbine blades to a generator and gear housing system.