Water as an energy source (non-statutory)
I can describe how we use moving water to generate renewable electricity.
Water as an energy source (non-statutory)
I can describe how we use moving water to generate renewable electricity.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Scientists investigate alternative energy sources to fossil fuels.
- Water turbines are built below dams. Water flows down from the reservoir and turns the turbine.
- The movement of the turbine is used to generate electricity.
- Moving water is a renewable energy source as there will always be water on Earth.
- Scientists investigate how moving water in oceans can be used to generate electricity
Keywords
Energy source - Energy sources can be used to provide heat, light, or power.
Generate - To generate electricity is to produce or make it.
Reservoir - A water reservoir is a large artificial lake used to store water.
Dam - A dam is a barrier constructed to hold back water.
Water turbine - A water turbine is a device that is turned by water to generate electricity.
Common misconception
Children may think that water wheels and water turbines cause water to move when they spin.
Teaching slides explain that water wheels and water turbines harness the energy of water to do work for us or to generate electricity.
To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: Water as an energy source (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: Water as an energy source (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Climate change and sustainability (non-statutory) unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Equipment for making a water turbine: lolly sticks, recycled plastic bottle lids, recycled milk carton, wooden rod, sticky tack, thread, sticky tape, jug of water, a hot glue gun or strong tape.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
solid
liquid
gas
Exit quiz
6 Questions
