Middle school scientists construct a working water wheel from an aluminum pie pan. Because of the sharp edges on the cut aluminum, this activity is for mature learners only. You could have your class compete to see whose wheel can lift the most weight, or have them share maximum weights to be graphed by each individual student.

Concepts

kinetic energy, energy, mechanical energy, potential energy, hydroelectric power, technology resources

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Additional Tags

hydropower, kinetic energy, potential energy, mechanical energy

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Pros

• A pertinent demonstration of hydropower as an energy source
• Addresses CCSS.Content.ELA.Literacy.RST.6-8.3 by having learners follow a step-by-step scientific procedure
• The experience is applied to real-world hydropower plants

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3