Renewable Energy Project for Kids - Hydropower

Energy can be created through a lot of different ways, including using gas, solids, or liquids to generate it. But how do you actually make the energy? Well, energy can be used and made to make light, heat, or move an object. In this particular experiment, we’ll learn about hydropower, or about water power, which you can use to move objects.
What Is Hydropower?
Hydropower is a mechanical energy. It is formed by letting gravity move water. Hydropower has been a used to create energy since around 400 BC. You probably have seen pictures of water wheels, that’s hydropower! You’ll be making a water wheel with a few materials so you can see the power of water. renewable energy project for kids
Question
How can we use water to lift an object?
Materials You’ll Need:

Ruler
Marker
2-liter plastic bottle
Scissors
A craft knife (an adult will help you with this)
16 inches of sewing thread
1 wooden barbeque skewer
Something small to lift (like an eraser)
Sink
Large funnel
Duct tape
Paper clips

Procedure

Take the marker and ruler. Measure 6 cm from the bottom of the bottle and make a few dots around the bottle. Connect these dots and have an adult cut off the bottom using the craft knife.
Use your ruler to measure 8 cm away from the cut section. Then cut the top of the bottle, you should now have a cylinder.
With your scissors, cut four 2 cm-wide strips out of the 8 cm section. Then, cut these four strips so you have eight half circles, with measurements of 4 cm by 2 cm.
Take the cork and make 8 evenly spaced lines lengthwise. Then, take the hobby knife and cut along these lines. With the curved plastic pieces going all the same way, place each piece into its own hole on the cork. (Think about why they all must go the same way.)
Take two paperclips and unfold them, then make a loop out of one end on each. The paperclips are going to be used to support the axle of the water wheel.
Place the paperclips on the sides of the plastic funnel, use the duct tape to make sure they’re secure.
Cut the skewer in half, poke an end into each side of the wheel cork. Then, place each end through the loop of the paper clip. Be sure that the paper clips can allow the wheel to move.
Put one of the skewers into the other cork, then tie the thread around it tightly. Tie the end of the thread to your small object.
Go to the sink and get a gentle flow of water going, place your water wheel under this. The plastic pieces in the cork will catch the water and turn it into mechanical energy.

Result
The water wheel should spin and make enough mechanical energy to move the small object.

Science fair project for 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th grade students.