The Journey of Hydropower in the Pacific Northwest
Grades: 4-6 (60 minutes or 1 classroom period)
Students learn about the journey of hydroelectric power from snowmelt in the mountains to lighting a lamp in a home. Students will also use hand-held generators to transform motion energy into electrical energy.
The Power Of The Wind
Grade: 5 (180 minutes)
Students will enjoy a highly interactive and engaging science experience focusing on one of our most recent energy topics- WIND. While working in teams, acting as scientists, students will conduct various experiments testing different blade variables that can affect the electrical output of a wind turbine generating system. After presenting their findings to the class, students are put in several teams of "engineers." Using their shared knowledge, the students will be launched into the culminating event of designing and constructing the best wind turbine in hopes of becoming the champions in the great water-pumping competition.
See also Hydropower, Renewables, and special classroom presentations to the left for 6th-9th grade classrooms.