From Classroom to Cider Mill: Conant Students Explore the Power of Water Wheels

Grade 4 students at Conant Elementary started an engaging unit centered around energy.  The unit covered alternative energy sources and the principles of energy transfer. One key focus was on the water wheel. Students learned about its purpose, components, and advantages. To enhance their understanding, they creatively built their own water wheels using everyday materials such as milk cartons, small cups, and rubber bands.

After building the water wheels and conducting experiments, teachers aimed to supplement the unit further. This inspired the idea of a field trip to Franklin Cider Mill, a beloved local spot that features an original water wheel which has been in operation for nearly 200 years. “My hope is that students will gain a deeper understanding of the water wheel's purpose, having already become familiar with its components during our studies," commented grade 4 teacher, Kelly Hall, prior to the trip. 

Upon arriving at the cider mill, the students located the water wheel to watch it in action. The giant wheel’s gears creaked as it turned, powered by the steady flow of the stream. Its paddles plunged into the water, lifting it and directing the energy to crush the apples into a pulp. The students gathered around, mesmerized by the simplicity of the mechanism and began to identify components learned in class. 

“This visit to Franklin Cider Mill may have been different from previous trips students may have taken, as the concentration was more on the function of the water wheel rather than the donuts and cider,” stated Hall. The students not only applied what they had learned, they also became teachers themselves for their next visit to the cider mill!