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Renewable vs. Nonrenewable ResourcesActivity for Kids

Water Wheel DIY

Duration: 30-60 min
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: $0 to $5

Make your own water wheel to better understand renewable energy!

Visit The Full Lesson Download Instructions as PDF

Material List

1Large plastic container
2Long rulers
2Paper or foam plates
1Deck of playing cards
1Wood barbecue skewer
1Pair of scissors
1Roll of tape
1Stapler
1Pitcher of water

Instructions

1Poke a hole in the center of each plate.
2Fold 8 playing cards in thirds with the help of a ruler.
3Staple the playing cards evenly around one plate, then staple them to the other.
4Insert the skewer through the two holes in the plates.
5Place two rulers on top of the large plastic container.
6Place the water wheel on the rulers and tape down the skewer.
7Pour water onto the wheel and observe the results!
Quick tip:A foam egg carton can be cut apart and used in place of playing cards.

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How It Works

The energy of the moving water is transferred to the wheel, which makes the wheel spin! In real life, this motion energy of the wheel turning can be used to spin a generator which makes electricity. That electricity can be used far away from the power plant to turn on lights, charge your computer, and so much more!