Why Do We Have Dams?
 Teacher Activity Page

 
[Standards] [Teachers] [Students] [Related Hot Links] [PDF File] [Pre-Program Activities]
 
Background:
A dam is a structure built across a stream, river or estuary to retain water. Some dams are tall and thin, while others are short and thick. Dams are made from a variety of materials such as rock, steel and wood. This activity concentrates on dams made from concrete, a complex material, because it is important for the construction of large dams.
 
There are three major dams across the Gunnison River leading into Black Canyon. The importance of the dams for irrigation, electrical supply and recreation is made in the electronic field trips especially in the last trip.
 
Objectives:
In this activity students will:
  • Discover the reasons why humans throughout history have constructed dams.
  • Learn the different types of dam constructions with pros and cons for each.
  • Conduct a simulation of dam strength by changing load and stress characteristics.
  • Learn about dams near their school and home and of environmental impact.
  • Discuss in class the importance of dam construction to human beings.
Resources/Materials/Supplies
 
Internet access
 
Web site: Cracking Dams http://simscience.org/cracks/intermediate/dams2.html
 
Directions:
 
This activity primarily explores the web site: Crackling Dams (see above address.) Become familiar with this site prior to introducing it to the students. Especially take time to work through an example of the simulation pages.
  • Introduce the activity with engagement questions such as:
  • How many of you have been to a dam?
  • How long do you think humans have been constructing dams and out of what materials?
  • What are the pros and cons to having dams built?
Demonstrate and tour through the web site: Cracking Dams and provide an example of a simulation.
 
In pairs or small groups assign this site and direct the students to explore each link and save the simulations one for last.
 
Have the teams report out their significant findings. You may want to create a report form for this or let the students write in their journals or logbook.
 
Let each team try a different kind of simulation and collect this data for the class and construct a discussion about load and stress and help the class reach conclusion from the data they collect.
 
Assign the students a dam to research from the hotlinks section and use the information they have learned, create a report or make a presentation on the dam.
 
Using the web site below, have the students look at the web pages for the Blue Mesa, Crystal and Morrow Point dams and compare these to other dams in the world.
Colorado Dams
http://dataweb.usbr.gov/html/codams.html
Management Tips and Hints:
 
This is a self-paced activity and your knowledge of the site in advance will make it easier to help students as they explore the web sites.