Educator Resources
Find hydropower industry experts who can present to your students
Welcome to the Hydropower Educator Resources section. This database of resources, lesson plans, and related materials is available to help educators learn and teach about hydropower. We want to make it easy for educators at all levels to quickly find curricula, activities, and other tools that will help energize students about a hydro-powered future and related concepts.
Refine your resource search by clicking on Education Level, Resource Type, Subject, and/or Topic below and selecting from the drop-down menus. You can also search by keyword.
Hands-on Activity: Falling Water
Description: Students drop water from different heights to demonstrate the conversion of water's potential energy to kinetic energy.
Topics explored: kinetic energy conversionAC Generator
Description: a PowerPoint slideshow depicting AC generators
Topics explored: parts of a generator, theory of operation, frequency and poles, losses, ratingsAll about Federal Hydropower Infographic
Description: an infographic overview of federal hydropower
Topics covered: federal hydropower infrastructure, public-private partnerships, national security and economic benefits of federal hydropowerAre Dams Forever?
Description: Students learn in this lesson, and through the associated activity, that dams are constructed with specific purposes and unfortunately do not last forever. Similar to other human-made structures, such as roads and bridges, dams require regular maintenance and have a finite lifespan.
Topics explored: hydropower basics; hydrology; dam engineering; dam history; dam typesBesides Fossil Fuels Where Else Do We Get Energy
Description: illustrated overview of non-fossil fuel energy sources
Topics explored: hydropower, wind energy, solar energy, biomassCareers in Energy: Who Works for an Energy Company?
Description: illustrated overview of the types of careers available at an energy company
Topics explored: sales and marketing, product developers, portfolio managers, risk consultants, energy traders, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, environmental engineers, more careersChoose Your Career in Hydropower!
Description: A game that explores career options in hydropower
Topics explored: Hydropower CareersClassroom Presentation on Hydropower
Description: Presentation on hydropower and energy systems
Topics explored: energy 101, hydrologyClean Energy Bright Futures Teacher Activity Portal
Description: This online activity center offers curricula and lesson plans.
Topics explored: hydropower, solar energy, energy, basic science experimentsColorado River Storage Project Management Center
Description: overview of the Colorado River Storage Project Management Center
Topics explored: overview of the Colorado River Storage Project Management Center, which markets power from the Colorado River Storage and its participating projects (Dolores and Seedskadee) and the Collbran and Rio Grande projectsDam Forces
Description: Students learn how the force of water helps determine the size and shape of dams. They use clay to build models of four types of dams, and observe the force of the water against each type. They conclude by deciding which type of dam they, as Splash Engineering engineers, will design for Thirsty County.
Topics explored: hydropower basics; dam engineering history; hydrology; dam materials; dam typesDam Impacts
Description: While the creation of a dam provides many benefits, it can have negative impacts on local ecosystems. Using the associated activity students learn about the major environmental impacts of dams and the engineering solutions used to address them.
Topics explored: Dam engineering; agriculture; environmental considerations; hydrologyDam Pass or Fail
Description: Students conduct Internet research to investigate the purpose and current functioning status of some of the largest dams throughout the world. They investigate the success or failure of eight dams and complete a worksheet. While researching the dams, they also gain an understanding of the scale of these structures by recording and comparing their reservoir capacities.
Topics explored: Dam engineering; dam lifetimes; infrastructure; dam historyDam Safety Resource Center
Description: Links to available dam safety materials
Topics explored: technical manuals and guidelines; resources for dam owners, dam operators, state dam safety officials, students, and faculty; a dam safety resource database; a dam incident database; and a career center with job linksDams: Activities and Lessons
Description: Three activity lessons: Busy as a Beaver (grades 3-4), Four Corners Reservoir (grades 5-6), Hydropower! (grades 7-8)
Topics explored: properties of objects and materials; motion and forces; dams; engineeringDecoding Science
Description: This interactive website's content is based on Reproducibility and Replicability in Science, a NASEM consensus report funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the National Science Foundation and vetted by experts in the practice, interpretation, and application of science.
Topics explored: the Scientific Process, Building Scientific Knowledge, the Role of Repetition and Consensus, and Using ScienceDigital Energy
Description: Students use NEED Infobooks and graphics to prepare digital presentations that teach others about energy topics
Topics explored: energy 101, energy sources, energy consumptionDo As the Romans: Construct an Aqueduct
Description: Students work with specified materials to create aqueduct components that can transport two liters of water across a short distance in the classroom. The design challenge is to create an aqueduct that can supply Aqueductis, a (hypothetical) Roman city, with clean water for private homes, public baths and fountains as well as crop irrigation.
Topics explored: Civil engineering; agriculture; environmental considerations; historyEarth Force Resources
Educational Kits
Description: Four different levels of kits that educate students about water cycle, kinetic energy transformations, and electricity.
Topics explored: hydropower, hydrology, energy 101Energy Kids
Description: a website
Topics explored: energy, using and saving energy, history of energy, games and activitiesEnergy Kids: Hydropower Timelines
Description: a timeline of hydropower events
Topics explored: hydropower events from the ancient Greeks to todayEnergy Kids: Renewable Hydropower
Description: Energy Kids Hydropower webpage
Topics explored: hydropower basics, the water cycle, history of hydropower, where hydropower is generated, hydropower and the environment, fish ladders, tidal power, tidal turbines, wave power, ocean thermal energyEnergy and Wildlife: Do You Like to Work with Animals
Description: an illustrated 1-pager discussing birds and Xcel Energy's nest cams
Topics explored: nest cams, bird cams, raptorsExploring Hydroelectricity
Description: A kit-based unit for secondary students that includes teacher and student guides containing comprehensive background information on hydropower, ocean energy technologies, and electricity. Students will build a turbine generation model, and will investigate case studies, a history of hydropower timeline, and information on careers in the hydropower industry. The curriculum includes hands-on, inquiry-based explorations, group presentations, and a cooperative learning activity focusing on ways to use hydropower to increase electricity generation for a local community. The kit contains most of the materials needed to conduct the inquiry-based activities. Several activities in the unit are multidisciplinary and are appropriate for language arts and social studies classes.
Topics explored: potential and kinetic energy; moving water is a renewable energy source; dams; harnessing and converting the energy in moving water; new technologies for harnessing the energy in ocean tides, waves, and currents; advantages and disadvantages of hydropowerFWEE: Benefits of Hydropower
FWEE: Hydro Careers
Federal Columbia River Power System
Description: a 10-page illustrated brochure with photos that provides an overview of the Federal Columbia River Power System, a unique collaboration among three U.S. government agencies: the Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Topics explored: Protecting fish and wildlife, controlling floods, providing irrigation and navigation, and sustaining cultural resources while using the Columbia River to generate powerFish Ladder at Bonneville Dam
Description: photo of fish ladder
Topics explored: fish ladder, damsFish-Friendly Engineering
Description: Students further their understanding of the salmon life cycle and the human structures and actions that aid in the migration of fish around hydroelectric dams by playing an animated PowerPoint game involving a fish that must climb a fish ladder to get over a dam. They first brainstorm their own ideas, and then learn about existing ways engineers have made dams "friendlier" to migrating fish, before being quizzed as part of the game.
Topics explored: Civil engineering; fish migration; fish ladder; environmental considerations; hydrologyFuel Mix: BPA, Northwest, and National
Description: Breakdown of power generation fuels in Bonneville Power Administration territory, the Northwest U.S., and the U.S. as a whole
Topics explored: hydroelectricity supply and geographyFuel Mix: Northwest and National
Description: Power generation fuel mix of the Northwest U.S. and the U.S. as a whole
Topics explored: hydroelectricity supply and geographyHarnessing Hydropower
Description: a 20-page PDF providing an overview of hydropower
Topics explored: history of hydropower, water and energy, transmission, turbines and generators, the power gridHomeschool Programs
Description: Snohomish County PUD is proud to offer FREE classroom presentations about energy and energy conservation for Snohomish County and Camano Island homeschool students ages 9-13 in the fall and in the spring. We offer hands-on lessons in a traditional classroom setting that challenge students to investigate electrical circuits, energy resources and energy conservation. Homeschool programs are held at our headquarters building in Everett.
Topics explored: energy 101, homeschool, lessons, conservationHow Are Power Sources Converted to Electricity
Description: an illustrated overview of how different power sources are converted to electricity
Topics explored: power from steam, water, natural gas, wind, and solar, plus an illustration of how power gets to the homeHow Electricity Moves from Nature to Your Home
Description: Graphic depicting the water cycle
Topics explored: the water cycle, precipitation, damsHow to Build a Motor Science Lab
Description: a video with instructions on how to build a motor in a classroom lab.
Topics explored: engineering, problem solvingHow to Build a Tower Science Lab
Description: a video with instructions on how to build a tower in a classroom lab. Learning objective: students will develop teamwork skills as they work together to design and construct a tower, problem-solving along the way. These are key skills needed in engineering and scientific disciplines.
Topics explored: problem solvingHow to Build a Turbine Science Lab
Description: a video with instructions on how to build a turbine in a classroom lab
Topics explored: what turbines are and how they generate energyHydro Flows Here City Power
Description: Image describing Northwest hydropower production in terms of Seattle-sized city demand
Topics explored: electricity supply and demandHydro Flows Here Columbia River
Description: Image describing the hydropower production primacy of the Columbia River Basin
Topics explored: hydroelectricity supply and geographyHydro Flows Here Emissions Offset
Description: Image describing avoided emissions due to hydropower in the language of transportation emissions
Topics explored: fuels, emissions, energy sectorsHydro Flows Here Irrigation Benefits
Description: Image describing the connection between hydropower's irrigation benefits and increased agricultural production
Topics explored: energy sectors, agriculture, irrigationHydro Project Regulations Overview
Description: a PowerPoint presentation
Topics explored: hydro 101, what does FERC regulate, FERC organizational structure, hydropower jurisdiction, types of projects, licensing, National Environmental Policy Act, other laws and regulations, balancingHydroelectric Dam
Description: an illustration of a hydroelectric dam
Topics explored: generator, turbine, intake, reservoir, penstock, powerhouseHydrokinetic Energy Class I Introduction to Hydrokinetic Energy
Description: Sections cover The History and Evolution of Hydrokinetic Power Production and The Future of Hydrokinetic Power Production
Topics explored: permanent magnets and copper coils, dams, hydroelectric power plants, traditional hydropower vs. hydrokinetic power, turbine types, hydrofoils, currentsHydrokinetic Energy Class V Introduction to Hydrokinetic Energy
Description: Sections cover River Currents, System, Design, and Construction; History and Evolution of Hydrokinetic Power Production
Topics explored: hydropower plants, turbine types, dams, current energy converters, sea carpets, water wheels, pump storageHydrokinetic Energy Class VIII Introduction to Hydrokinetic Energy
Description: Sections cover Site Selection and Resource Assessment
Topics explored: tidal resource, riverine resource, Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, tidal flow characteristics, Betz LimitHydrokinetic Energy Class X Hydrokinetic Energy Technician
Description: Sections cover Assessment of Installation Sites
Topics explored: types of currents, flow data, tidal flow, flow velocity, river currents, typography and installation sitesHydropower Basics
Description: a PowerPoint slideshow of the basics of hydropower
Topics explored: dams, dams in the world, dam terminology, head, flow, volume, types of damsHydropower Basics (EIA)
Description: Overview of hydropower's place in the energy and water systems, with geographical information
Topics explored: Hydrology; dams; energy system; generation mix; water cycleHydropower Flow Diagram
Description: Overview of hydropower's place in the energy and water systems
Topics explored: Hydrology; dams; energy system; water cycleHydropower Flows Here Coloring Sheet
Description: This coloring sheet asks students to identify how many things in the picture are using hydropower.
Topics explored: electricity basics, hydropowerHydropower I: the Dam
Description: Watch an online video, play a game, and label the parts of a dam
Topics explored: The parts of a hydroelectric damHydropower Plant DACUM Report
Description: findings from a group of subject matter experts on the hydropower workforce, funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration
Topics explored: typical profile of an entry-level worker at a Northwest hydro plant; core knowledge and skills neededHydropower STEMersion Workshop
Description: unique opportunity for Snohomish County educators who teach about how energy is generated! Participants will be immersed in all aspects of hydropower during this workshop.
Topics explored: workshop, education, hydrologyHydropower at a Glance
Description: a 1-page infographic overview of hydropower
Topics explored: the water cycle, top hydro states, the parts of a hydro plantHydropower from Dam to Doorstep
Description: Infographic displaying the steps involved from generating electricity at a dam to delivering that electricity to customers
Topics explored: electricity grid, hydropower engineeringHydropower in the NW Facts
Description: Overview of hydropower benefits in the northwest U.S.
Topics explored: emissions, grid managementHydropower: From Water to Watt
Description: a one-page graphic providing an overview of the hydrologic cycle
Topics explored: the hydrologic cycle, water and energy, dams, turbines and generators, spillwaysInteractive Hydropower Infographic
Project description: an interactive infographic that allows students to drag and drop statements to match the parts of the dam
Topics explored: the water cycle, hydroelectricity to home electricity, how water flows through a dam to create electricityIntro to Hydropower (Part 1)
Description: Overview of engineering and scientific concepts surrounding hydropower. Part 1: Systems Overview
Topics explored: generator; flow; dam engineering; turbines; powerhouse; penstockIntro to Hydropower (Part 2)
Description: Overview of engineering and scientific concepts surrounding small-scale hydropower. Part 2: Measuring Head & Flow
Topics explored: generator; flow; dam engineering; turbines; powerhouse; penstock; small-scale hydroIntro to Hydropower (Part 3)
Description: Overview of engineering and scientific concepts surrounding small-scale hydropower. Part 3: Power, Efficiency, Transmission & Equipment Selection
Topics explored: generator; flow; dam engineering; turbines; powerhouse; penstock; small-scale hydroInvesting in a Connected Future
Description: 2019 Annual Report for Western Area Power Administration
Topics explored: overview of Western, service and marketing areas, hydropower generationKeeping the Lights On: From the Dam to Your Doorstep
Description: This brochure provides a history of electricity and transmission with a focus on the Pacific Northwest. It also provides career profiles and definitions of terms related to electricity production.
Topics explored: electricity transmission, generators, substations, history of electricity, careers in keeping the lights onKnowledge Stream (USBR)
Description: The Knowledge Stream published by the Bureau of Reclamation’s Research and Development Office, is a quarterly magazine bringing mission-critical news about the agency's research and science, as well as the many challenges associated with managing water and generating power in the West, including: projects, tools, methods, practices, results, innovation, prize competitions, publications, and more.
Topics explored: Hydrology; dams; data; workforce training; research; environmental considerationsLearning Power
Description: Georgia Power and Dr. E have teamed up to deliver fun activities, games and puzzles that bring the exciting world of electricity to life for teachers, students and parents. In addition, teachers can schedule an in-class Learning Power lesson for their classroom. All Learning Power lessons meet Georgia Performance Standards and incorporate STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.
Topics explored: electricity generation; generation mix; potential and kinetic energy; energy efficiencyLesson: A River Ran Through It
Description: Students learn how water is used to generate electricity.
Topics explored: Water's potential-to-kinetic energy transformation, falling water and waterwheels, measurements, the history of the waterwheel, how engineers use water turbines in hydroelectric power plants today, advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power.Lesson: Clean Energy: Hydropower
Description: Hydropower generation is introduced to students as a common purpose and benefit of constructing dams. Through an introduction to kinetic and potential energy, students come to understand how a dam creates electricity. They also learn the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy.
Topics explored: how a dam produces electricity, the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy.Locks and Dams
Description: Students are introduced to the structure, function and purpose of locks and dams, which involves an introduction to Pascal's law, water pressure and gravity.
Topics explored: Civil engineering; locks and dams; water pressure; hydrologyMake Your Own Hydropower (Kit)
Description: Hands-on exploration of generating electricity with water power. Ideal for science fair project, a demonstration, or other unique project.
Topics explored: hydropower, activitiesMake Your Own Hydropower Lesson Plan
Description: a lesson plan
Topics explored: the principles of generating electricity, the role of hydropower in the Northwest and nationally, other sources of electrical generationManaging Water in the West: Hydroelectric Power
Description: A 26-page introduction to hydropower, including a glossary
Topics explored: how hydropower works, transmitting power, how power is computed, all about turbines, pumped storage, future potential, hydropower and the environmentMicro Hydropower Syllabus
Description: Goals, structure, sources, and educational benchmarks for a micro hydropower course
Topics explored: hydrology, micro-hydropower, environmental science, grid managementModular Hydro Video
Description: Visual mockup of potential small-scale modular hydropower installations
Topics explored: Modular hydro; dams; harnessing and converting the energy in moving water; new technologiesNEED Energy of Moving Water Student Guide
Description: Hydropower and hydrology in the context of energy and power production: student guide
Topics explored: hydrology, grid managementNEED Energy of Moving Water Teacher Guide
Description: Hydropower and hydrology in the context of energy and power production: teacher guide
Topics explored: hydrology, grid managementNEED Hydropower Materials
Description: Presentations and interactive resources on hydropower
Topics explored: hydropower, hydrologyNEED Water and Energy Student Guide
Description: Introductory activities related to phases of matter and water energy: student guide
Topics explored: phases of matter, hands-on discovery, fundamental energy conceptsNEED Water and Energy Teacher Guide
Description: Introductory activities related to phases of matter and water energy: teacher guide
Topics explored: phases of matter, hands-on discovery, fundamental energy conceptsNorthwest Sources of Electricity: Powering a Clean Energy Future
Description: Learn about climate change and northwest sources of electricity with Electricia, Surge & their pup Lumen!
Topics explored: Clean energy generation in northwest AmericaNature of Water Power Lesson Plan
Description: a lesson plan with currciculum units
Topics explored: What is the Water Cycle? How is Flowing Water an Energy Source? How Can Work Be Done With Water Power? How Can a Dam Affect a River? How Can Community Values Affect the Energy Resources We Select? How Can Communication of Scientific Knowledge Influence Others?Off the Grid Lesson
Description: a 15-minute online lesson
Topics explored: the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, the electric power grid, what it means for a residential home to be "off the grid"Packwood Lake
Description: History, impact, and operational details of the Packwood Lake hydropower facility
Topics explored: hydropower facilities, engineering, hydrologyPackwood Lake Hydro Diagram
Description: Diagram tracking water flow from a lake through a dam and powerhouse.
Topics explored: hydropower facilities, engineering, hydrologyPenstock Pals Activity
Description: a classroom activity
Topics explored: using water as a resource for generating electricity in the NorthwestPower Wheel (Kit)
Description: Connects to classroom faucet or outside hose
Topics explored: hydropower, engineering, activitiesPower Your House with Water Hands-On Activity
Description: a 3-hour classroom activity
Topics explored: how engineers design devices that use water to generate electricity by building model water turbines and measuring the resulting current produced in a motorPower, Work, and the Water Wheel
Description: Civil, geotechnical, environmental, mechanical and electrical engineers collaborate to design and construct dams that generate electricity from the flow of water. When engineers design these dams, called hydroelectric power plants, they calculate the amount of power that can be generated by the plant. Knowing the dam's potential power generation, they can further estimate the maximum rural or urban region that can be supplied with electricity generated from the dam.
Topics explored: hydropower basics; dam engineering; power plants; activityPowering Smallsburg
Description: Students act as engineers by specifying the power plants to build for a community. They are given a budget, an expected power demand from the community, and different power plant options with corresponding environmental effects. Guided by a worksheet, teams work through the hypothetical real-world scenario to arrive at recommendations that they present to the class; group "answers" vary widely, depending on their identified city priorities.
Topics explored: electricity mix; fuel types; power plantsPowering the U.S.
Description: This lesson provides students with an overview of the electric power industry in the United States. Students also become familiar with the environmental impacts associated with a variety of energy sources.
Topics explored: electricity mix; fuel types; power plantsROV Pilot Marine Technology
Description: Activity and questions related to data collection and remote operated vehicles (ROVs)
Topics explored: data collection; ocean exploration; codingRenewable Energy Competency Model for Hydropower
Description: The Renewable Energy Competency Model is a resource to help guide people interested in a renewable energy career. The Employment and Training Administration worked with technical and subject matter experts from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and several industry associations to develop a competency model that supports workforce preparation for jobs in energy technologies. In addition to the model, detailed worksheets to evaluate competencies are available as PDF or Excel downloads.
Topics explored: Credential Competencies, Curriculum Analysis, Employer Analysis, and Gap AnalysisRenewable Energy Sources
Description: an online course
Topics explored: energy; non-renewable and renewable energy sources; function, operation, and vision of the Smart Grid; careers in the energy industryRenewable Energy: Hydropower (Video)
Description: A 7-minute YouTube video exploring hydropower in the West and the role of the Bureau of Reclamation
Topics explored: Jordanelle Dam, enhancing plant efficiencies, increasing plant generationRiver Management Society Learning Resources
SCADA and Power System Operations Overview
Description: a PowerPoint presentation
Topics explored: What is SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), history of SCADA, common components of SCADA, future trends in SCADASnohomish County PUD Woods Creek Virtual Tour
Description: The Woods Creek Hydroelectric Project is located north of the city of Monroe, Washington, and has a nameplate capacity of 0.65 MW. The project is adjacent to Woods Creek, a tributary of the Skykomish River, with a powerhouse located at a natural impassible barrier to fish
Topics explored: video, virtual tour, hydroelectricity supply, geographySnohomish County PUD Woods Creek Virtual Tour Teacher Guide
Description: Teacher Guide and Q&A Reference for The Woods Creek Hydroelectric Project Virtual Tour
Topics explored: video, virtual tour, hydroelectricity supply, geography, teacher guideSplash, Zippy, and the Hydro Pals
Description: Coloring and activity book depicting how water can be turned into electricity
Topics explored: the water cycle, precipitation, damsStudent Energy Energy System Map
Description: The Energy System map includes an interactive map view, a searchable energy topics index view, and accompanying videos.
Topics explored: climate change, energy justice, climate policy, sustainable goals, all energy sources, production, conversion, transport, distribution, use, and influencesSwim to and from the Sea
Description: Students are introduced to the basic biology behind Pacific salmon migration and the many engineered Columbia River dam structures that aid in their passage through the river's hydroelectric dams. Students apply what they learn about the salmon life cycle as they think of devices and modifications that might be implemented at dams to permit the natural cycle of fish migration, and as they make (hypothetical) Splash Engineering presentations about their proposed fish mitigation solutions for Birdseye River's dam in Thirsty County.
Topics explored: Civil engineering; fish migration; environmental considerations; hydrologySyllabus-Undergraduate-Centralia College-Crawford
Description: syllabus for PPO 208APP: Hydro Electricity, a 200-level undergraduate class at Centralia College
Topics explored: an introductory study of how electricity is generated from hydro damsSyllabus-Undergraduate-University of Arizona-Bauer
Description: syllabus for GEOG/EVS 304: Water, Environment, and Society, a 300-level undergraduate class at the University of Arizona
Topics explored: This course looks at how different human societies have used and lived with water resources in arid regions, where water scarcity is a dominant factor in economic and social life. We focus especially on Western and Southwestern North America, including both historical and contemporary examples of Euro-American and Native American societies. The course combines geography, history, law, and other social sciences. The goals are to better understand some of today’s critical water policy problems, and more generally the relationship between water and people.Syllabus-Undergraduate-University of Arizona-Bauer III
Description: syllabus for GEOG/EVS 468: Water and Sustainability, a 400-level undergraduate class at the University of Arizona
Topics explored: This course combines geography, history, and political economy to try to better understand the relationship between water and society over time. Who owns water and how? How have humans changed river systems over time? With what benefits and costs and for whom? The first two-thirds of the course focuses on the history of water development and water rights in the Western U.S., an arid region in which control of water has long been critical to economic and population growth. The last third of the course turns to contemporary international water debates, including the pros and cons of large dams, the World Bank, water markets and privatization, environmental flows and river governance, and climate change.Syllabus-Undergraduate-University of Arizona-Bauer IV
Description: syllabus for GEOG/EVS 462: Environmental Law, Geography, and Society-Capstone Glen Canyon Dam, a 400-level undergraduate class at the University of Arizona
Topics explored: The Capstone is a group research project to study the environmental legal issues involving the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River in the past, present, and futureSyllabus-Undergraduate-University of Arizona-Bauer II
Description: syllabus for GEOG/EVS 462: Environmental Law, Geography, and Society, a 400-level undergraduate class at the University of Arizona
Topics explored: This course offers an overview of environmental law and its strengths and weaknesses in the United States. We grapple with legal rules and principles as well as their larger social and geographic contexts. How have people in the U.S. used laws to solve environmental problems over time? We begin with the essential features of the U.S. legal system and public policy process, as they affect environmental and natural resource issues. We learn about key environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act, and how their different approaches have worked in practice. This means we also consider political, economic, geographic, and other factors that influence environmental law and whether it succeeds or fails. The final part of the course looks at environmental law in relation to hydropower and electricity, which in turn connects to global energy use and climate change.Technical Writing About River Current Power
Description: Students learn about power generation using river currents. A white paper is a focused analysis often used to describe how a technology solves a problem. In this literacy activity, students write a simplified version of a white paper on an alternative electrical power generation technology.
Topics explored: run of river; electricity generation; hydroelectricity; white paper; writing skillsThe 10 Energy Sources
Description: a one-page colorful visual describing the 10 energy sources
Topics explored: renewable and non-renewable energy sourcesThe Amazing Journey of Columbia River Salmon
Description: This richly illustrated 22-page story book follows the life of a Columbia River Salmon from a tiny stream to the ocean and back again. The booklet discuss salmon habitat, predators, and lifecycle, and also provides an overview of the Northwest river system. For independent reading for fourth grade and older or guided classroom use for younger grades.
Topics Explored: fish ladders, damsThe Great Marble Drop Science Lab
Description: Teacher lesson plan and video. The learning objective: for students to analyze a problem and test and refine solutions. This will demonstrate a key skill needed in engineering and scientific disciplines.
Topics explored: engineering, problem solvingThe HYDRO+ Series
The Journey of Hydropower: How Energy Moves from Nature to Your Home
Description: Watch this video and follow the journey of hydropower from a water drop falling as snow in the mountains to an energy watt traveling on an electricity superhighway to your doorstep. Learn why the Northwest has the cleanest energy in the nation and the important role hydropower plays in supporting other renewables like wind and solar.
Topics explored: carbon and energy production, dams, hydropowerThe Journey of Hydropower: How Energy Moves from Nature to Your Home
Description: This educational video explains the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. It then follows the journey of hydropower from a water drop falling as snow in the mountains to an energy watt traveling on an electricity superhighway to homes and schools. In addition to the video, this BPA website page offers links to an accompanying teacher guide with worksheets, discussion prompts, glossary, and additional resources, as well as an educational poster and activity book in English and Spanish.
Topics Explored: hydrologyThe Nature of Water Power
Description: FWEE offers a six-unit, hands-on curriculum entitled The Nature of Water Power for grades 4–8. The focus is on the Northwest states, where a large percentage of the electricity is generated by hydropower.
Topics explored: hydropower, kinetic energy conversionThe Power of a River
Description: NREL and Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut created a series of animation videos to showcase the types and opportunities of marine energy as part of Mystic’s Renewable Ocean Energy exhibit developed in collaboration with NREL, the U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office, and industry partners.
Topics explored: This animated video tells the story of the village of Igiugig, the Alaska Natives who call it home, and the river that runs through the community. The village draws power from the river without harming the salmon with a RivGen power system. The villagers are now less reliant on diesel fuel.The Water Cycle
Description: illustration of the water cycle
Topics explored: solar energy, precipitation, evaporationTypes of Dams
Description: a PowerPoint slideshow depicting types of dams
Topics explored: dams, embankment dams, concrete dams, composite dams, additional dam design elementsTypes of Turbines
Description: a PowerPoint slideshow depicting types of turbines
Topics explored: what is a turbine, impulse turbines, Pelton's Wheel, cross-flow turbine, reaction turbine, Kaplan's turbine, Francis Turbine, gas turbines, kinetic turbines, wind turbinesUnder Pressure
Description: Students learn about Pascal's law, an important concept behind the engineering of dam and lock systems. Students observe the behavior of water in plastic water bottles spilling through holes punctured at different heights, seeing the distance water spurts from the holes, learning how water at a given depth exerts equal pressure in all directions, and how water at increasing depths is under increasing pressure.
Topics explored: hydropower basics; hydrology; dam materials; dam types; water pressureWater Cycle Hexaflexagon
Description: this hexaflexagon uses a special geometric form to show the phases of the water cycle
Topics explored: transpiration, precipitation, vaporization, sublimation, condensation, storage, distributionWater Power Hands-On Activity
Description: a 45-minute classroom activity
Topics explored: a model waterwheel, the transformations of energy involved in turning the blades of a hydro-turbineWater Resources: Why Do We Build Dams?
Description: Students are introduced to the concept of a dam and its potential benefits, which include water supply, electricity generation, flood control, recreation and irrigation. This lesson begins an ongoing classroom scenario in which student engineering teams working for the Splash Engineering firm design dams for a fictitious client, Thirsty County.
Topics explored: hydropower basics; dam engineering; power plants; flood controlWater Science School
Description: This USGS website offers information on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data, maps, and an interactive center where you can give opinions and test your water knowledge. The site is also available in Spanish and Chinese.
Topics Explored: water basics, water properties, the water cycle, groundwater, surface water, water quality, water useWater and Dams in Today's World
Description: Students learn about the importance of dams by watching a video that presents historical and current information on dams, as well as descriptions of global water resources and the hydrologic cycle. Students also learn about different types of dams, all designed to resist the forces on dams.
Topics explored: hydropower basics; dam engineering history; hydrology; dam materialsWatersheds and Wetlands
Description: PDF of a PowerPoint presentation
Topics explored: fresh water sources, the hydrologic cycle, evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, runoff, groundwater, groundwater contamination, types of water flow, velocity, sediment loads, watersheds, stream biology, stream ecosystems, wetlands, water pollution, mining, ocean and marine dumping, dissolved oxygen in waterWaterwheel Work
Description: Students learn the history of the waterwheel and common uses for water turbines today. They explore kinetic energy by creating their own experimental waterwheel from a two-liter plastic bottle. They investigate the transformations of energy involved in turning the blades of a hydro-turbine into work, and experiment with how weight affects the rotational rate of the waterwheel. Students also discuss and explore the characteristics of hydroelectric plants.
Topics explored: kinetic energy; water wheel; activity; energy conversionWestern: The Choice Is Yours
Description: a recruiting brochure for careers at Western Area Power Administration
Topics explored: about Western, why work for Western, how to apply at WesternWhat Would You Miss Without Electricity?
Description: a short video of interviews with people asking them what they would miss the most without electricity
Topics explored: how much electricity in the Northwest comes from hydro, what is powered by electricityWonders of Water
Description: Wonders of Water video lesson/demonstration
Topics explored: activity; electricity generation; hydroelectricity; potential and kinetic energyWonders of Water Teacher and Student Guides
Description: A STEM-based unit that introduces elementary learners to water and energy. Concepts are reinforced through hands-on investigations and language arts activities.
Topics explored: forms of energy, electricity, electric circuits, properties of water, and how water can be used as an energy sourceYour Future in Hydropower Student Guide
Description: This student guide offers career and technology education activities that provide hands-on experience with tools, circuits, materials, fluids, and job readiness.
Topics explored: Moving water as a renewable source of energy, electricity, electrical current, voltage, power, circuits, electromagnetic induction, electricity transmission, the water cycle, properties of water, hand and power tools and torque or pressure, hydropower facilities, dams, turbines, generators, properties of concrete, fluid dynamics, gears, environmental impacts of hydropowerYour Future in Hydropower Teacher Guide
Description: This teacher guide offers career and technology education activities that provide hands-on experience with tools, circuits, materials, fluids, and job readiness.
Topics explored: Moving water as a renewable source of energy, electricity, electrical current, voltage, power, circuits, electromagnetic induction, electricity transmission, the water cycle, properties of water, hand and power tools and torque or pressure, hydropower facilities, dams, turbines, generators, properties of concrete, fluid dynamics, gears, environmental impacts of hydropowerElectricity 101
Description: PDF of PowerPoint slides
Topics explored: a brief history of the U.S. power industry, an overview of how the electricity system and the industry works, an overview of fuel sources and energy policyEnergy in Society
Description: These social studies-focused activities will help students to consider how others use energy across their community, region, country, or even the globe, and the reasons their energy consumption might differ. The activities featured in this sampler help to reinforce energy content, while introducing students to energy in context.
Topics explored: sources used to generate electricity, U.S. power generation sources, advantages and challenges of hydropower, challenges associated with siting a power generation facilityFollowing Nature's Current
Description: Balanced information about the use of water as a renewable energy resource in the Northwest
Topics explored: the Columbia River Basin, tapping the power of water, the water cycle, powering the Northwest, using the force of falling water to generate electricity, a walk through a hydroelectric project, hydropower and the environment, hydroelectric projects and environmental protection, fish passage tour, fish and wildlife program expenditures, the future of hydropower in the Northwest, increasing energy efficiency and conservation, the power grid, the smart grid, reinvesting in hydropower while integrating wind power, and future water power opportunitiesHydro Model
Description: graphic of the hydropower model
Topics explored: instructions on how to build your own hydroelectric project with a provided 3D replica, the hydrologic cycle, the benefits of hydroHydropower: How Electricity Gets from the River to Your House
Description: an illustrated 4-page overview of how electricity moves from the river to homes
Topics explored: hydro overview, how electricity moves through power lines in the Northwest, substationsWind Patterns and Hydropower in the Desert
Description: Students learn how the Coriolis effect and Hadley convection cells determine the location of deserts on Earth. Once students understand the importance of global winds, they discuss hydropower in the desert. They compare and contrast two case studies: China’s Three Gorges Dam and Chile’s proposed plant in the Atacama Desert that would creatively use solar power to move seawater up to the top of a mountain so that it can flow back down and generate power.
Topics explored: falling water, global weather patterns, Hadley cells, hydropower modelYour search selections do not match any STEM Educator Resources.
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