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Overview
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind introduces students to Malawi and science of wind power.
Literary Connection
For a film-book pairing, teach the film with the book it was based on: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, also available in Young Readers and Picture Book editions.
Getting Started
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- Type: Narrative Feature Film
- Lesson Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
- Rating: NR
- Ages: 8–12, 13–17, 18–24, 25+
Common Sense Media rates this film as appropriate for ages 11+Superb true tale of remarkable teen; some violence.- Run time: 60–119 minutes
Where to Watch
Watch it on Netflix.
Curriculum Guide
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Lesson 1 The Environmental Crisis
Subject: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
Lesson Grades: 10, 11, 12
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Lesson 2 Wind Power: History and Engineering
Subject: Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Human Development, Science
Lesson Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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Lesson 3 Generating Electricity: Dollar Store Physics
Subject: Physics, Science
Lesson Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
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Lesson 4 The Character of William Kamkwamba
Subject: English Language Arts, Film Literacy, Journalism, Language Arts
Lesson Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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Lesson 5 Film as Literature: Understanding Tone
The Glossary of Film Terms linked below is valuable for this lesson.
Subject: English Language Arts, Film Literacy, Language Arts
Lesson Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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Lesson 6 Helping the Children of Malawi
Subject: Community Service Learning, Economics, Human Development, Language Arts, Service Learning
Lesson Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Discussion Guide
This discussion guide can be used with learners in grades 6-12 and adult learning communities.
About the Film
Meeting William
What about You? Getting Involved (Service Learning)
Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines
These tips can help you create safe space for classroom engagement on the themes and subjects of this film.
Glossary of Film Terms
The Glossary of Film Terms is useful for the Film Literacy lessons that are part of this curriculum guide.
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