Water wheels are simple machines that use the energy of flowing water to turn a wheel and the turning wheel can then power other machines to do work. Make this super simple water wheel at home or in the classroom from paper cups and a straw. We love fun, hands-on STEM projects for kids!
BUILD A WATER WHEEL
HOW DOES A WATER WHEEL WORK?
Water wheels are machines that use the energy of flowing water to turn a wheel. The axle of the turning wheel can then power other machines to do work. A water wheel is usually made of wood or metal, with blades or buckets arranged on the outside rim.
Water wheels were used during the Middle Ages as the main source of power for driving large machines. Water wheels were used to grind grain into flour, to crush rocks, and eventually to provide electricity. It is a clean form of energy which means it’s good for the environment.
ALSO CHECK OUT: How To Make A Windmill
Make your own water wheel from cups and paper plates that really works as one of our engineering projects for kids! Read on to find out how…
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WATER WHEEL PROJECT
SUPPLIES:
- 2 Paper plates
- Straw
- Tape
- Small paper cups
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Poke a hole in the center of both paper plates, the size of your straw.
STEP 2: Tape four paper cups to the back of a paper plate.
STEP 3: Tape the second plate to the other side of your paper cups. Then thread the straw through the holes you have made in the plates.
STEP 4: Check to make sure your cups can spin on the straw.
STEP 5: Hold your water wheel straw firmly under a slow stream of water in your sink and watch the action!
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HOW TO MAKE A WATER WHEEL
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[…] ALSO CHECK OUT: How To Make A Water Wheel […]