Science of Hydropower – Bell Ringer
Summary
Students examine hydroelectric dam systems through three focused prompts: identifying where potential energy is stored, analyzing environmental and human impacts of dam construction, and explaining hydropower’s historical head start over wind and solar. Works for a high school Earth science, APES, or energy unit as a low-prep discussion starter or written warm-up.
Looking at the picture of a hydroelectric dam, identify and describe the area of the dam system where the water is stored and has the highest potential energy.
Building a hydroelectric dam often relies on flowing river systems to provide the moving water the dams require to generate electricity. Describe TWO potential impacts on human populations or the surrounding ecosystems from building a hydroelectric dam.
Globally, hydropower has steadily grown as a source of energy since the early 1900s, while wind and solar have only begun expanding significantly in recent decades. Brainstorm an explanation why.
