LESSON PLANS / ACTIVITY
Hydroelectric power
I. Objectives of Presentation
A. The students will define hydroelectric power and show how it can
be used.
B. The students will define the comparisons between hydroelectric energy
and the other types of energy, such as nuclear, solar, natural gas, etc.
C. The students will label the parts of a hydroelectric dam and define
what each section is responsible for.
D. Using all of the safety laws the students will reproduce a model of
a working hydroelectric power plant.
II. Introduction
A. Start the lesson by explaining that energy is used to power almost
everything. Compact disc players are powered by energy.
B. Discuss the harsh reality that we are running out of our natural resources,
and we need to find alternatives to natural resources. Discuss that hydroelectric
power is a renewable resource and is inexhaustible. It is the best alternative
energy.
C. The students will be presented with a demonstration of how a hydroelectric
dam operates. The students will respect the renewability of the hydroelectric
power.
III. Body
A. Discuss how electricity works.
Ask students about electromagnets
B. Discuss hydropower
Ask for the definition of hydropower
C. Present a diagram of a dam, and discuss what each part does.
Ask the students to label the diagram
D. Discuss the pros and cons of hydroelectric power.
Ask the students to list some advantages and disadvantages of hydropower
E. Discuss the ways hydropower can be affected.
Ask the students to show the how the low pressure affects the production
of electricity
IV. Lab Assignment
The students will break up into groups. The students will complete
a handout which consists of labeling each part of the dam. After the completion
of the ditto assignment, the lab will be completed. The lab will be fully
documented by the student and turned in. The students will produce their
own hydropower plant in the classroom. Each group will be given a package
of materials that will include all that they need. The knowledge that they
obtained from the lesson and found on the energy systems web page will
be used to complete this assignment.
V. Review and Summary
A. Discuss the students knowledge through a series of questions asked
to confirm that the students can define what hydropower is.
B. Discuss how the use of an alternative energy can help us save the fossil
fuels.
C. Have the students present their projects to the class and the results
that they came across from the lab.
Materials Used
5 gallon bucket
water
small water pump
wood
wire
solder
light socket with light
tubing
PVC pipe
plastic
coil of wire
magnet
metal dowels