Exploring electricity generation
Newton Rooms: Thurso, Dingwall, Inverness and Fort William
Level: S1 and S2
Duration: 5 hours
Description: In this module, students will learn and experience how to produce electrical energy from renewable energy sources, such as water and wind.
Activity 1: Building a Ball Track. After being introduced to the concept of potential and kinetic energy and the law of conservation pupils will be split into teams where each pupil has a specific responsibility. Each team will build a ball track within given criteria and a vehicle which will be moved by the ball that runs on the track. The Important learning concepts in this activity are identifying and understanding potential and kinetic energy, energy transfer, and energy loss. This will be discussed and explained with the whole class.
Activity 2: Magnetic Induction. The pupils work with coils and magnets to induce current which is measured. The aim is to attain practical experience and understanding of what happens when a magnet and a coil move in relation to each other and be able to apply this to how different renewables provide electricity.
Activity 3: Electrical Energy from Renewables (Hydro). Pupils will produce electrical energy by running water through a small hydro turbine. They measure electricity produced by the turbine while investigating different factors that can affect production. The electrical energy produced is measured with a wireless sensor enabling real time analysis of electricity produced when factors are changed.
Activity 4: Electrical Energy from Renewables (Wind). Pupils use a mini wind turbine to produce electrical energy. They investigate the best structure, changing the number of blades and angles of blade while using the sensor to record and compare the energy output when changes are made to identify the best model.