Water Wheel Challenge
Did you know that the National Slate Museum is home to the largest working waterwheel in mainland Britain? Come and learn about the wonders of water power and the inventive use of natural energy to power the site. See our two waterwheels at work, before pupils are challenged to design and build their own simple water wheels, in the majestic setting of the museum’s Power Hall. A great hands-on STEM activity!
‘The setting is especially good for showing children how science is at work all around us in every day life and putting the activities into context. Seeing the water wheel and incline in action inspired pupils' to think creatively.’ Lynne Hughes-Williams, Ysgol Gwaun Gynfi
Curriculum
Science and Technology –
- Design thinking and engineering offer technical and creative ways to meet society’s needs and wants
- Forces and energy provide a foundation for understanding our universe
- Learning objectives:
- Draw inspiration for designing a waterwheel from the historic wheels in the collection
- Combine everyday items to construct a functional and effective waterwheel
- Explore how the motion of the waterwheel is affected by applying or changing specific forces
- Discuss and explain the transfer of energy from the water to the wheel, and how this could be used to provide the energy we need in our modern lives.
Booking information
To make a booking and talk to someone about this session phone (029) 2057 3702