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    Home » STEM Challenges » DIY Water Wheel

    DIY Water Wheel

    October 6, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    This DIY water wheel is a great STEM challenge or engineering activity. We used a DUPLO® frame, but you could make something similar from cardboard or even rest the water wheel on two stacks of books.

    It’s a great introduction to hydroelectric power, renewable energy and transfer of energy for older children or just a fun construction challenge for younger children.

    We made a double wheel, but just one would work perfectly well.

    DIY water wheel made with DUPLO, a great school STEM project or challenge

    How to make a water wheel

    You will need

    A wooden skewer – take care with the sharp ends

    A cardboard cylinder shape – we used an empty gravy container

    4 small paper cups

    Hot glue gun

    A frame to hold the wheel

    Jug or container

    Water

    Instructions

    Carefully ( ask an adult to help ) push the skewer through the cardboard cylinder, so the cylinder is in the middle.

    Use the hot glue gun ( ask an adult to help ) to attach four cups open side up onto the cylinder. They should be spread evenly around.

    Insert your water wheel into a frame and check it spins.

    Pour water into the top cup of the water wheel, it should turn! If it doesn’t turn you may need to tweak your design.

    child testing a DIY water wheel

    What is a water wheel?

    Water wheels turn the energy of falling water into power! Water falls into the cups turning the wheel. As the cups move around the wheel they empty out their water ready to be filled up when they reach the top of the wheel again.

    Water wheels date back to Roman times and are not used much today, but in the past were used to help mill flour, grind wood and even supply drinking water and irrigate crops.

    Medieval Water Wheel
    Water wheel on the side of a mill

    What is hydroelectric power?

    Hydroelectric power stations use the kinetic ( movement ) energy of water to drive electrical generators creating electricity.

    Water is often trapped behind a dam, this gives it gravitational potential energy which is converted into kinetic energy and finally thanks to generators inside the dam, electricity that can be used for people nearby.

    hydroelectric power station using water trapped behind a dam
    Chemal hydroelectric power plant, Russia

    Hydroelectric power is an example of a renewable energy resource.

    Advantages of hydroelectric power

    No harmful emissions are released.

    It’s very reliable and completely renewable.

    Disadvantages of hydroelectric power

    Fish can be impacted in the dam stops them reaching breeding areas.

    Initial costs are quite high.

    Plants in the reservoir created by the dam start to decompose releasing methane and carbon.

    Image of a water wheel made with paper cups and a frame

    More engineering projects

    Design and test paper bridges.

    Another way to lift water is to make an Archimedes screw!

    Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls has a great LEGO® water wheel.

    Last Updated on October 6, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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