Water World: Hydro-power!

Guide for Middle Schoolers

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Now catch the wave of hydroelectric power!

Have you ever thought about how we can use water to create electricity? That's what hydropower is all about!

Making Waves with Hydropower

Hydropower is like a big energy generator! It works by using the movement of water, like rivers or waterfalls, to create electricity. There are two main types of hydropower:

1. Flexible Hydropower: These systems can quickly change how much electricity they make. They store water in big lakes called reservoirs and release it when people need more power, like on hot days when everyone turns on their air conditioning.
2. Intermittent Hydropower: This type depends on the natural flow of water. It can be a little unpredictable, just like the weather! Sometimes it makes a lot of power, and sometimes it doesn't, but it still helps create energy.

So, hydropower can use water to help power our homes and schools!

Did you know that hydro power makes more electricity than all the other renewable sources, like solar and geothermal, combined? It's expected to stay the biggest source of clean energy for many years!

Norway's Water Wonder

Norway is a country that really loves hydro power! In fact, nearly 92% of its energy comes from water. Because of all this water energy, it's super important for people in Norway to learn about how hydropower works.

In Norway, schools help kids learn about hydropower and how to create green jobs. When students move up in school, they get to learn even more about working in renewable energy. For example, at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), students can study hydropower and learn how to help the environment with their careers!

Norwegian schools also teach special skills in technical colleges. They have programs for things like building, electricity, and even cooking! All of this helps kids get ready for jobs that are good for the Earth.

Buildings That Help the Planet

Schools in Norway are getting super cool upgrades! They are building places that don't create carbon emissions, which means they don't release harmful gasses that can hurt our planet. For example, Heimdal High School in Trondheim is one of the greenest schools in the world! It will make more energy than it needs and can even share extra energy with a nearby swimming pool. That way, the school can save money and help the planet at the same time!

Not Just Norway

Here are a few schools around the world that incorporate hydropower or teach students about it:

• The Green School (Bali, Indonesia): This school is run completely on renewables; they get their hot water and energy to cook from hydropower. Students get to learn all about how hydropower works, experimenting with water wheels and discovering how they can help the planet by using clean energy.
• Burlington High School (Vermont, USA): Burlington is one of the first US cities to be run completely on renewables, and this includes their schools. Located near the Winooski River, schools engage in projects that promote understanding of hydropower and its environmental benefits.
• Forth Valley College (Scotland): While not a K-12 school, this college incorporates hydropower education into its curriculum and has practical projects related to renewable energy.

These schools not only use hydropower but also teach students about its importance in promoting clean energy and protecting the environment. Let me know if you need more information!

Wrapping Up on Hydropower

Hydropower is a one way to create clean energy using the movement of water from rivers and waterfalls. Countries like Norway show how we can use hydropower to produce almost all their electricity without polluting the air.

However, it's important to remember that hydropower isn't perfect. Building big dams can change the environment and affect fish and wildlife. It can also take away water from local areas, which might impact people who need it for farming or drinking.

Even though there are challenges, hydropower remains a valuable source of energy. By learning about it and finding smart ways to use it responsibly, we can help create a cleaner, healthier planet for everyone!

If you are a student and want to learn more about the other renewable energy sources you can here in The Middle Schoolers Guide to Renewable Energy and consider exploring these books:

The Boy Who Harnessed Wind, Young Reader's Edition by William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer, best for ages 8 to 12

The book takes place in a place where resources are limited. Following the main character, readers experience courage, hope, and resiliency, that comes with determination and ingenuity.

Planet Power: Explore the World's Renewable Energy by Stacy P. Clark, best for ages 8 to 12

What is renewable energy? Clark discusses wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy-in a way that is both accessible and exciting.

Solar Story by by Allan Drummond, best for ages 4 to 8

This book is based on the origin story of a solar installation in Toucan, Mali. This follows the changes of solar on a community.

Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future by James Morton Turner, best for ages 12 to 16

James Turner discusses the extraction of raw materials like lithium and cobalt, the environmental costs of battery production, and the broad scaling of supply chains. He emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in battery innovation. Furthermore, the need for sustainable technologies to meet the demand for electricity.

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