A Fulton County school was the site of this year's "Illinois Wind for Schools" project kickoff.

Astoria Junior High School is 1 of 6 schools around the state to participate this year. A workshop there Tuesday included presentation of the school with model wind turbines, a weather station, lab activities, a comprehensive wind energy curriculum and materials to supplement teachers' academic goals.

The project's aim is to encourage energy education while targeting wind power. It's designed to meet Illinois Learning Standards in mathematics such as estimation, measurement, data analysis and probability.

The project is jointly operated by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University and the Center for Renewable Energy at Illinois State University.