The 2024 Kansas KidWind Challenge kicks off this week with more teams expected to participate than ever before. The annual event has grown from one regional challenge with 14 teams in 2016 to six regional events with an anticipated total of 95 teams from 48 schools competing this year. The first regional challenge will be held in Hutchinson on Tuesday, February 13 with 11 schools participating. Five more regional events will be held in Manhattan, Burlington, Dodge City, Colby and Overland Park. All events are open to the public. Student teams work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice.