Dams and reservoirs
transforming the energy of water
Dams are an integral part of the Snowy Hydro Scheme. They are used to create reservoirs which store water. Although the dam is an engineering feat in itself, it’s the transformation of energy through moving this stored water that is key to generating hydropower.
In this unit you will
-be introduced to dams and reservoirs
-learn about the anatomy of an effective dam
-see how Snowy Hydro uses gravity to transform the energy in water.
Key information
Learning area: science
Suitable for: year 7-9 classrooms
Topics: energy, water, physics, engineering
Duration: 2 x 45min lessons
Preparation: required if wanting to replicate dam activity.
Materials: specialist materials required to replicate dam activity.
Resources
Resources that match each section of this resource are displayed next to the video resource.
Curriculum links
This unit is currently undergoing a curriculum mapping refresh. Thank you for your patience while this is updated.
Is it a dam or a reservoir?
Dam and reservoirs comprehension sheet
The anatomy of a dam
Being able to store water and its potential energy is a key in Snowy Hydro’s hydropower generation. Storing water in multiple reservoirs behind dams allows the water to be accessed to generate power as it is released. Dam safety is determined by the dam’s structure and build. Take a look at what goes into the creation of a dam.
Fact sheets
Dam quiz
Using gravity to transform the energy of water
Learn about the power of gravity and the role this natural force plays in the generation of hydro-electricity.
Follow Dr. Kirsten and Mechanical Plant Engineer, Joe to the depth of Murray 1 Power Station as they dive into discussing gravity.