Explore the different types of energy behind hydroelectric power, a primary renewable energy source. Build a spinning water turbine with a vertical axle to model how this mechanism turns as water swirls by.

### Lesson Structure

When students go through this lesson in each section, the objectives they will learn are:
*   **Imagine** – Discover how moving water generates electricity in a turbine.
*   **Build** – Create a spinning turbine with five blades powered by running water.

Teacher Notes

Overview and Objectives

Materials

#### Teachers: Preparing Your Students (25 min)

When students begin the lesson, they start in [Overview and Objectives](#overview-and-objectives), then transition to this [Preparation](#preparation) section. Presented in their view is a vocabulary list of terms and infographics illustrating concepts across STEAM domains throughout this entire lesson.

* Read through the vocabulary list. (5 minutes)
* Review the [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)](https://sdgs.un.org/goals). (5 minutes)
* Set up an environment for running and reusing water. (15 minutes)

#### Water Source

The water wheel moves with continuously flowing water. Place the project in a plastic bucket and pour a jug with water. Then, refill the jug with water poured from the plastic bucket and retry the process.

#### Vocabulary (5 minutes)

This is the list of vocabulary terms used throughout the lesson. They will be in **bold** and listed throughout the different sections. Students can always revisit the vocabulary definitions with media and questions in the lesson. (5 minutes)

#### Sustainable Development Goals (5 minutes)

Review the [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)](https://sdgs.un.org/goals) blueprint based on global needs to create a more **sustainable** world by 2030 before starting the lesson. (5 minutes)

Preparation

### The Power of Water
*   **Hydroelectric energy** is a type of renewable energy derived from moving water.
*   **Hydroelectric energy** uses the **kinetic energy** of moving water to turn a turbine.
*   It also uses the **potential energy** of water falling from a higher to a lower elevation.
*   **Kinetic** and **potential** **energy** are both types of mechanical energy.
*   As the turbine rotates, it turns an axle.
*   The axle connects to a generator, which spins and generates electrical energy inside it.
*   This electricity is transferred to a power station, which can be sent to homes and businesses.
*   **Hydroelectric energy** depends on the water cycle to create a consistent supply of precipitation.
*   The water cycle involves water being recycled in its forms.
*   It falls as precipitation, evaporates into the air, then condenses in clouds to fall back to the ground.
*   While **hydroelectricity** is considered **renewable energy** , it is still controversial, especially regarding the land flooded to create reservoirs.

The water cycle causes water levels to be renewed as water evaporates and then rains back down.

Imagine

Make the bottom half of the turbine

Make the top half of the turbine then combine

Make the turbine shaft

Create a structure to prop up the turbine

Slide the turbine along then add a connector to shaft

Test your turbine with water

National Curriculum

Curriculum for Excellence

Build

References and Extra Resources

STEAM Classroom

UK - England

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

UK - Scotland

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

SDGs

Goal 7

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Goal 11

Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups.

KS2-1

Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design.

KS2-2

Investigate and analyse a range of existing products.

Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.

Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.

KS2-3

Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures.

Understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages].

Understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors].

Apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.

KS2-4

I can describe the major characteristic features of Scotland’s landscape and explain how these were formed.

SOC 2-07a

I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally responsible way.

SOC 2-08a

I can consider the advantages and disadvantages of a proposed land use development and discuss the impact this may have on the community.

SOC 2-08b

By considering examples where energy is conserved, I can identify the energy source, how it is transferred and ways of reducing wasted energy.

SCN 2-04a

I can investigate the use and development of renewable and sustainable energy to gain an awareness of their growing importance in Scotland or beyond.

TCH 2-02b

I can analyse how lifestyles can impact on the environment and Earth’s resources and can make suggestions about how to live in a more sustainable way.

TCH 2-06a

I can make suggestions as to how individuals and organisations may use technologies to support sustainability and reduce the impact on our environment.

TCH 2-07a

I can extend and enhance my design skills to solve problems and can construct models.

TCH 2-09a

I can recognise basic properties and uses for a variety of materials and can discuss which ones are most suitable for a given task.

TCH 2-10a

I can extend my knowledge and understanding of engineering disciplines to create solution.

🇬🇧 Intro: Hydroelectricity

Overview and Objectives

Lesson Structure

Overview