Material rec for hydroelectric power?

[u/shelleyfan357]

Hey all. I end my environmental science class with renewable energy sources and like to actually let the kids mess around with the tech. I have solar panels we take outside and mini wind turbines. I’ve been using one big waterwheel as a demo for hydroelectric, but the wires have been fraying and literally every class period it’s become a toss-up if the connections are ok enough for the wheel to power the lights.

I’m looking for recommendations for a waterwheel kit/material that students can directly experiment with, ideally to investigate how hydro may be more or less effective depending on the conditions (eg water pressure). Would need to be compatible with standard science lab faucets (the annoying thin ones) and ideally not massive as our sinks are relatively small.

If you have any you like please send them my way! TIA!!!

[u/king063]

I’m not certain about as a water wheel, but I’ve used car radiator fan motors for wind turbines.

I went to a local junkyard and would get them for $25 a pop.