Intended for Pr 7 classes, related to the Renfrewshire Guidelines for Science: Unit 3, Lessons 1- 3. This activity is available throughout the year and is independent of the weather.

Attainment Outcome Energy and forces
Strand Conversion and transfer of energy

Learning Outcomes

To experience some examples of the inter-conversion of potential and kinetic energy
To investigate the river as a renewable source of energy.
To examine the various transfers of energy required to convert cereal crop to flour.
The Discovery Session

During the 40 minute discovery session, demonstrators will take children on an energy trail around the mill where they will participate in the milling of a cereal crop to flour. Various aspects of energy conversion will be highlighted and observed including potential energy of the sluice gate system, kinetic energy of the mill wheel and wind energy of the fanners. Children will have the chance to try out some energy conversion tasks including operating the winnowing machine (kinetic/wind energy) and rotary quern (kinetic energy). Attention will also be drawn to heat energy used in the coal fired kiln. Discussion around the mill machinery will highlight the simple construction of a highly effective harness of potential and kinetic energy (through a system of cogs, rods and wheels). Children will conclude their session by weighing the amount of flour they have produced during their energy trail.

Associated Resources

The opportunity to follow the mill lade from the weir on the river to the mill noting the increasing difference in height between lade and the river, and the system of weirs and penstocks used to control flow of water.

Background Information

The buildings and machinery of Livingston Mill date from the late 18th Century. Water from the River Almond powers a breast-shot wheel that turns three sets of mill stones. The mill-wheel has a calculated power output of 10.5 kilowatts, revolves 10 times each minute when up to speed and weighs approximately 5 tonnes.

Health and Safety

All moving machinery and watercourses in and around the mill are protected by fences and barriers.