Curated OER
Do Dams Affect the Paddlefish Population?
Students study why dams are built and what is affected by them. They build model dams and explain how dams can be a detriment to paddlefish population.
Curated OER
Wildlife Sampling
Seventh graders discuss water issues and its affect on salmon population. They recreate a sampling river with fish (cheddar) and scoop them to tag them (which means they exchange them for pretzel fish.) They complete a spreadsheet to...
Curated OER
Salmon vs. Dams: The Dam Removal Debate on the Elwha River
Students use roll playing to discuss the merits of tearing down these dams so that the Elwha River can run free. The activity is presented in the form of a council meeting to encourage students to try to build consensus in finding...
Curated OER
Dam Impact
Students explore the environmental impact of dams. In this environmental impact lesson plan, students explore the major environmental impacts of dams and the engineering solutions used to address the major issues.
Curated OER
Locks and Dams
Students learn about locks and dams when it comes to blocking water. In this dam lesson, students learn about the structure, function, and purpose of locks and dams. They also learn about water pressure and gravity.
Curated OER
The Biggest Dam in the World
Students recognize that the Three Gorges Dam is now being constructed in China on the upper Yangtze River. They build a dam in an empty fish tankusing common materials they have at home or can easily find, such as twigs and leaves, food...
Curated OER
Lake Billy Chinook
Students explore aerial photographs and maps of Round Butte Dam. They examine the land modifications necessary to create a dam. After reading a book about building a dam, students compare the environmental impact of Lake Billy Chinook to...
Curated OER
The Pros and Cons of Dams
Learners investigate the use of dams on rivers in order to manage water uses in particular the Flathead River and Lake. They make presentations about dam management and write a persuasive paper on the issue. If possible they visit the...
Curated OER
No One's a Winner!
Students create two-dimensional maps showing the affects of a dam on those living both above and below the dam. Students discover the importance of educating the public before the construction of a dam.
Curated OER
Dam-it? I Just Don't Know!?!
Eighth graders analyze two different large dams: The Hoover Dam and the Three Gorges Dam. They compare and contrast the two dams.