*French Resources Includes as Attachments
Overview
Learners follow directions to construct a water-powered electrical generator using a turbine made from plastic spoons. The model generates a surprising amount of electricity, enough to light a small light bulb, and closely resembles real micro-hydro designs. Use this activity to introduce learners to renewable energy and water as a source of energy.
NB Curricular Connections
Science 9 & 10
- Strand: Scientific Literacy – Big Idea: Investigations
- Strand: Learning & Living Sustainably – Big Idea: Responsible and Sustainable Application
Physics 11
- Strand: Energy and Waves – Big Idea: How and Why Energy Moves and Changes – Skill Descriptor: Analyze energy transformations, Skill Descriptor: Analyze how energy is transmitted as wave action.
What You’ll Need
- Electric drill with 1/4 in. drill bit
- Scissors
- Electrical tape
- Ruler
- 10 cm (3.5 inch) nail or awl
- Hot glue gun with 3 glue sticks
- White glue
- Utility knife
- Pencil sharpener
- Permanent felt tip marker
- Magnetic compass
- Wire cutters
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Paper templates
- 4L plastic jug (rectangle style, from vinegar, windshield washer fluid, or similar)
- 10 plastic spoons
- 1 large cork (3.5 to 5 cm)
- Enameled magnet wire, 24 gauge (approx. 100 m)
- Foamcore or heavyweight corrugated cardboard (approx. 22 cm by 30 cm)
- 6 mm (1/4 in) diameter wooden dowel (20 cm long)
- 4 ceramic or rare-earth magnets (18mm or larger)
- Clear vinyl tubing (6 cm long, 1/4 in inside diameter)
- 4 brass paper fasteners
Instructions
- Download the instruction manual.
- Construct the generator. The generator consists of two parts, the stator and the rotor.
- Assemble the turbine and shaft using plastic spoons, cork and a wooden dowel.
- Finally, use a large plastic container to build the housing.
- Assemble your hydro generator and test using a flow of water from the sink or a small stream.
Extension Ideas
- This activity can be used in Technology classes with reasonable adpatations.
NB Global Competencies
The Global Competencies are the skills, sets of knowledges, and attitudes of a well-rounded person. They cross disciplines and contexts, and enable a person to thrive in local, virtual, and global communities.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
- Sustainability and Global Citizenship
Activity downloaded from hydroelectric-generator-cp.pdf (re-energy.ca)
