When and Why Do We Build Dams?

Introduction to Water Power

Lesson 1 of 8 / Time: 1 Hour

This lesson appears as a part of the following:
Water Power Implementation Toolkit

This lesson introduced Water Power by engaging students’ prior knowledge of energy, electricity, and water. It is adapted from NEED’s “Energy of Moving Water” materials.

 

A photo of a green field. From the top center to the bottom left is a a water pipe. At the top of the photo the pipe is connected to a water storage tank. Students kneel on the left side of the pipe.
Learning Goals

Learning Goals:

  1. Students will be able to engage prior knowledge of energy, electricity, and water and apply their understandings to a new energy generation source.
Materials List

Handouts

Classroom Supplies

or

  • 1 Small bottle
  • 1 Rubber stopper
  • 1 Wooden dowel
  • 4 Strong rectangle magnets
  • 1 Foam tube
  • 1 Small nail
  • 1 Large nail
  • Magnetic wire
  • Permanent marker
  • 1 Pair of sharp scissors
  • Masking tape
  • Fine sandpaper
  • 1 Push pin
  • 1 Multimeter with alligator clips
  • Hand operated pencil sharpener
  • Ruler
  • Optional: Utility knife
  • Optional: Hydro-Electric Power Station – Working Water Turbine to Generate Electricity – Eisco Labs (example)

Important Links