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How To Make A Water Wheel

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…

Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?  We have you covered…

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE STEM ACTIVITIES!

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!

MORE FUN THINGS TO BUILD

DIY Solar Oven
Build A Shuttle
Build A Satellite
Build A Hovercraft
Airplane Launcher
Rubber Band Car
Build A Winch
How To Make A Kite
How To Make A Windmill

HOW TO MAKE A WATER WHEEL

Click on the image below or on the link for more fun STEM activities for kids.

Best ever STEM and science activities for kids.
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  1. How To Make A Windmill | Little Bins for Little Hands says:
    April 6, 2021 at 11:08 pm

    […] ALSO CHECK OUT: How To Make A Water Wheel […]

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