AP Environmental Science Students Design Water Wheels

Oakwood High School AP Environmental Science students explored the principles of hydroelectric power generation through a hands-on STEM design challenge. Their task was to design and build a functional water wheel capable of lifting a load. Students began by selecting materials and creating an initial bucket design to attach to their water wheels. Through a series of timed trials, they analyzed the performance of their designs to determine the optimal number and shape of buckets. Students then modified their original models by experimenting with different materials, bucket shapes, or configurations and compared the outcomes. They measured the force exerted in newtons, calculated the work done in joules, and determined the power output in watts. The Water Wheel Lab not only reinforced key concepts in renewable energy and engineering but also sparked friendly competition as students raced to create the most efficient and powerful design.

APES Water Wheels photo album