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Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources Activity for Kids
Water Wheel DIY
- Duration: 30-60 min
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: $0 to $5
Make your own water wheel to better understand renewable energy!
Material List
- 1Large plastic container
- 2Long rulers
- 2Paper or foam plates
- 1Deck of playing cards
- 1Wood barbecue skewer
- 1Pair of scissors
- 1Roll of tape
- 1Stapler
- 1Pitcher of water
Instructions
- 1Poke a hole in the center of each plate.
- 2Fold 8 playing cards in thirds with the help of a ruler.
- 3Staple the playing cards evenly around one plate, then staple them to the other.
- 4Insert the skewer through the two holes in the plates.
- 5Place two rulers on top of the large plastic container.
- 6Place the water wheel on the rulers and tape down the skewer.
- 7Pour water onto the wheel and observe the results!
- Quick tip:A foam egg carton can be cut apart and used in place of playing cards.
How It Works
The energy of the moving water is transferred to the wheel, which makes the wheel spin! In real life, this motion energy of the wheel turning can be used to spin a generator which makes electricity. That electricity can be used far away from the power plant to turn on lights, charge your computer, and so much more!
Check out the Full Lesson on Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
In this lesson, we learn that:
- Fossil fuels are sources of energy made from prehistoric plants and animals.
- Non-renewable energy comes from sources that could eventually run out.
- Renewable energy comes from sources that can be easily replenished.
- Renewable energy includes sunlight, wind and water power.
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