Objective:
To demonstrate how a dam stores water, releases it for irrigation and electricity generation, using real flowing water, DC motor pump, and simple materials.
Materials Required:
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cardboard sheets | Dam structure and base |
| Transparent tray | Reservoir (lake) |
| Water bottles (2-3) | Water source + water tower |
| DC water pump (mini) | To circulate water |
| Small pipes/tubes | For water flow |
| LED bulb (optional) | To show power generation |
| Toy turbine/fan | Simulate hydro-turbine |
| 9V Battery/Switch | To power pump |
| Glue gun/tape | Fixing components |
| Color paper/paint | Decoration and labeling |
| Artificial grass/trees | Visual enhancement |
| Thermocol (optional) | Landscape design |
Model Design Overview:
The dam stores water in a tray, and a pipe outlet is used to release water on demand. A DC water pump circulates water back up to the reservoir, creating a reusable flow system. A small turbine or fan is rotated by flowing water to simulate electricity generation.
Video Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Build the Dam Wall
- Use cardboard or thermocol to build a curved dam wall across the tray.
- Make a gate or hole with a flap at the bottom for water release.
- Use paint or gray paper to make it look like a real concrete dam.
Step 2: Create the Reservoir
- Fix a large transparent tray or bottle cutout behind the dam to act as the water reservoir (store water).
- Connect this to the dam gate using a pipe.
Step 3: Simulate Turbine Power
- Place a toy turbine or small fan in the path of the water exiting the dam gate.
- When water flows, it spins the turbine.
- You can optionally connect an LED to simulate power generation.
Step 4: Recirculating Water Using Pump
- Place the DC water pump at the bottom tank (where water collects after flowing).
- Connect it via a pipe back to the top reservoir.
- Add a switch and 9V battery to control the pump.
Step 5: Decoration
- Decorate with:
- Green color paper for grass
- Blue paper for water
- Trees, houses, power poles (made from matchsticks/cardboard)
- Labels: Dam, Reservoir, Turbine, Water Outlet, Pump, etc.
How It Works:
- Water is stored in the reservoir.
- When the gate opens, water flows down through a pipe.
- The force of water spins the turbine, simulating hydroelectric power.
- Water is collected below and pumped back up using the DC pump, creating a closed-loop system.
Optional LED Lighting:
- Connect a small LED with a simple generator/motor if you’re demonstrating actual power generation using flowing water.
- Else, keep the LED as an indicator light powered by the battery when turbine spins