Free, editable Google Slides deck for Science of Hydropower: reading, computation, data set, and lab, ready to project.
Science of Hydropower
Summary
The Science of Hydropower lesson covers how hydroelectric dams convert potential energy into electricity, the trade-offs of large-scale dam construction, and hydropower’s role in the global energy mix. Students move through a full instructional sequence: bell ringer, vocabulary, video, quiz, reading, data analysis, computation, hands-on lab, and exit ticket. Differentiation options include a standard and extended reading, making this packet a fit for high school Earth science, APES Unit 6, or an IB Environmental Systems energy unit.
Activities
Bell Ringer
Choose one of the Bell Ringers provided to display for students to answer.
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 (Kahoot).
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 the water pressure and flow lab.
Lab - Student Guide
Use this handout with students to explore how the height of water affects flow rate and pressure, and 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