Power to Production
Watch a video of our Power to Production workshop.
Grades 4-12
Description:
Test water wheels for efficiency and design-build a working canal system to harness waterpower. Discover the technology and natural resources that powered the mills, examine an historic water-powered turbine, weave room, and power looms.
Students work in teams to:
- Test water wheels’ speed and strength, digitally recording their data and analyzing graphs to determine which wheel works best.
- Design and build a functioning mill-and-canal system.
- Manipulate cams, belts and pulleys, and gears to explore how energy was transferred from water to loom in the historic Suffolk Mill and discover how water's potential energy was transformed into kinetic energy to power Lowell's machines.
- Compare past and present-day uses of technology and natural resources and reflect on the environmental impacts of industrialization.
We have many resources to help prepare your students for their visit, and extend learning afterwards.
All of our programs have been reviewed to ensure their relevance to state and national standards.
- See our Frameworks Connections webpage
Program Details:
- Field Trip Fee: $225 per group
- Group Size: Up to 30 students per group.
- Chaperones: We require a minimum of two (2) adults per group – with a ratio of one (1) adult for every ten (10) students.
- Each group should include a teacher, one or two chaperones, plus any additional staff (aides, nurses, etc) your group requires.
- Maximum of six (6) adults per group.
Program can be reserved by calling us at 978-970-5080 to make a reservation for your class.
