On Friday 4th of October, P5 took part in a webinar organised by DRAX.  We learned about DRAX and the work that they do, especially with hydropower.

First of all we thought about all the things we do that requires electricity.  We talked about renewable and non-renewable energy sources.  We played a game of Top Trumps with these energy sources.

We looked closely at hydropower and how a water turbine works to produce energy.

We heard about Tongland Hydro-electric power scheme near Kirkcudbright and what DRAX have done to help the wildlife and environment.   They have created ‘fish ladders’ for the fish to be able to travel upstream.

It was very interesting.

We were then asked to create a moving water turbine that would be tried and tested under the running tap.  We had the choice of all of the resources and STEM materials available in the classroom.  We even got to try out Miss Anderson’s new Strawbees kit, which was lots of fun!

We all tested our water turbines and were surprised that most of them worked.  Unfortunately a couple of group’s turbines did not work.