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
Pupils explore the environmental impact of dams. In this environmental impact lesson, 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
Learners 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
Students 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.
Columbia University
Nasa: Sedac: Infrastructure
[Free Registration/Login Required] A collection of five data sets from SEDAC (Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center) that look at road networks, reservoirs, and dams in countries around the world, with one set examining China's...
Columbia University
Nasa: Sedac: Water Resources and Consumption
[Free Registration/Login Required] A collection of twenty-four data sets from SEDAC (Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center) that examine water resources and issues around the world. They look at dams and reservoirs, floods, drought,...
PBS
Pbs: Building Big: Dams
A collection of resources about dams that includes basic facts about dams, challenges faced by dam builders, famous dams from around the world, and a lab that helps you understand different kinds of shapes used to construct dams. Also...
PBS
Pbs Building Big: The Skyscraper Challenge
A site for all users interested in the engineering behind the building. Site engages users in a job that requires them to investigate troubled buildings and then figure out how to fix them.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dame was viewed as an engineering feat, in the 1930s. This documentary examines the construction and engineering problems that occurred and the questions that arose about the economic and environmental impact this project...
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: The Grand Canyon
For this lesson, students will learn about the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, the impact it has had on local ecology, and what happens when a dam is opened for controlled flooding. After researching the Glen Canyon Dam controlled...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Dam Forces
Students learn how the force of water helps determine the size and shape of dams. They use clay to build models of four types of dams, and observe the force of the water against each type. They conclude by deciding which type of dam...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Dams
Through eight lessons, students are introduced to many facets of dams, including their basic components, the common types (all designed to resist strong forces), their primary benefits (electricity generation, water supply, flood...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Why Do We Build Dams?
Students are introduced to the concept of a dam and its potential benefits, which include water supply, electricity generation, flood control, recreation and irrigation. This lesson plan begins an ongoing classroom scenario in which...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Water and Dams in Today's World
Students learn about the importance of dams by watching a video that presents historical and current information on dams, as well as descriptions of global water resources and the hydrologic cycle. Students also learn about different...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Locks and Dams
Students are introduced to the structure, function and purpose of locks and dams, which involves an introduction to Pascal's law, water pressure and gravity.
Other
Dams, Projects and Power Plants: Bureau of Reclamation
Use this interactive site to locate power plants, dams, and projects found in each state.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Water Conservation: Denver, Co
This video segment adapted from Last Oasis explores the use of new dams as a way to provide or store water. In the 1990s, the city of Denver was looking for a new source of water for its growing population, and its plan to build a new...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Swim to and From the Sea!
Learners are introduced to the basic biology behind Pacific salmon migration and the many engineered Columbia River dam structures that aid in their passage through the river's hydroelectric dams. Students apply what they learn about the...