Image courtesy KCC website

The 2026 Kansas KidWind Challenge is set to be the largest one yet. A total of 110 teams from 38 schools across Kansas have signed up, beating the previous record of 94 teams in 2023.

The first regional competition will take place in Dodge City on Feb. 10. Other events will follow in Colby, Hutchinson, Overland Park, Manhattan, and Burlington later in the month. The competitions are free and open for the public to attend.

Students work in teams to design and build their own wind turbines using materials they choose. Each turbine is tested in a wind tunnel. Teams are scored on how well their turbine works, a quiz, a presentation explaining their design, and a surprise challenge.

Students compete in three grade groups: 4th–5th, 6th–8th, and 9th–12th. Regional winners move on to the state finals in Salina in April, with state champions advancing to the world competition in Wisconsin.