The Nature of Water Power, 2002
Topics: Hydropower, Hydrologic Cycle
Source: Foundation for Water and Energy Education
Web address: http://www.fwee.org/TG/nwaterpwr.html
Grade Levels: 6-8
Learning Strategies: Inquiry, hands-on, group activities
Frameworks Connections:
Science and Technologh/Engineering
- Earth and Space Science, Grades 9-10
3. Earth Processes and Cycles
- Physics, Grade 9 or 10
- Biology, Grades 9-10
3. Heat and Heat Transfer
6. Ecology
Cost: Free downloadable materials
Description: The Nature of Water Power investigates electricity generated by hydropower, and the links between the hydrologic cycle, rivers and electricity. Eighty percent of the Northwest United States uses hydropower. Students begin with a brainstorming activity to serve as an introduction to hydropower and then move on to understanding the physics behind hydropower and its importance to our everyday lives.
Process skills are intertwined into the activities and include observation, creating and testing models, making inferences, and developing conclusions. It is suggested that the curriculum units be performed in succession; however, they can be used to engage students in related curriculum pieces. The allotment of time required is flexible to the teacher, as the need to change the focus can be different for each of the classes working on the project.