Build Your Own Hydroelectric Generator

*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

1.  Download the instruction manual.
2.  Construct the generator. The generator consists of two parts, the stator and the rotor.
3.  Assemble the turbine and shaft using plastic spoons, cork and a wooden dowel.
4.  Finally, use a large plastic container to build the housing.
5.  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)