Masaya Sumino’s Spiral PicoPica Water Power Generator
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Provided by: The Kid Should See This|Published on: October 27, 2025
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This resource from The Kid Should See This features a brief video and article about a small hydroelectric generator created by a Japanese inventor.
- Students will understand how the small size of this generator solves a problem and how its potential applications can help rural communities generate clean renewable energy in many places.
Subjects: Science, Engineering
Authors: Rion Nakaya, Japan Video Topics
Region: Asia
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This is an excellent example of ingenuity and engineering to solve a problem.
- Students will love seeing other students interact with the generator in the video.
Prerequisites
- Students should have a general understanding of how moving water can be used to generate electricity.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Teachers can make connections to climate change by discussing the need for clean energy to mitigate climate impacts.
- Connections can also be made to climate change via extreme weather. Teachers can begin by highlighting the point in the video about schools in Japan being able to use this device as an emergency generator. Teachers can then explain how climate change may increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather that could cause a school to need an emergency source of power.
- Teachers can use this resource to make connections to Sustainable Development Goal 7, Affordable and Clean Energy. For resources designed specifically to teach students about this goal and the other SDGs, teachers can check out this curriculum guide.
This video explores pico hydropower generation by explaining what a hydroelectric dam is and how it works, and discussing the ultra-small hydroelectric generator developed by Japanese engineer Masaya Sumino. The benefits of small-scale hydroelectric power are discussed, particularly in terms of mitigating climate change and enhancing the quality of life for humans worldwide. The dam is also a notable example of how human ingenuity can help address environmental and climate-related problems. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
The Kid Should See This
The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
