A water wheel is a device that converts the energy of flowing or falling water into mechanical energy. It typically consists of a large wheel with blades or buckets attached to its circumference. As water flows over or under the wheel, it causes the wheel to turn, which can then be used to power machinery or generate electricity. Water wheels have been used for centuries in various applications, such as milling grain and sawing wood. They are often found in historical sites and are an important part of the history of renewable energy and industrial technology.