Choose one of the Bell Ringers provided to display for students to answer.
Science of Hydropower
Summary
This comprehensive science of hydropower lesson plan is designed for high school students, offering an in-depth exploration of this energy source. The resource includes tiered bell ringer prompts, a vocabulary list and video quiz, differentiated reading packets, a quantitative computation activity, and a data analysis exercise on global hydropower trends. The lesson culminates in a hands-on hydropower lab where students model how water pressure affects flow rate.
Activities
Video
Play this short video on hydropower to spark curiosity and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Vocabulary + Quiz
Have students review the vocabulary terms, watch the video, and answer the questions in the quiz.
Reading
Have students read the info sheet on the Science of Hydropower and answer the comprehension questions.
Extended Reading
Have students read the extended info sheet on the Science of Hydropower and answer the comprehension and application questions.
Computation
Have students read the scenario and calculate hydropower generation and regional electricity demand.
Data Set
Have students analyze energy consumption from hydroelectric power and answer questions. Review key terms, then discuss trends as a class.
Lab - Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide to walk students through exploring how the height of water affects flow rate and pressure, key principles behind how hydroelectric dams generate energy.
Lab - Student Guide
Use this handout with students to model how gravity and water movement can be harnessed to simulate real-world hydropower systems.
Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide that serves as a walkthrough with answers for the Science of Hydropower lesson.
Answer Key
This short document provides answers to key activities in the Science of Hydropower lesson.
Downloadables