| Activity | Topic | Grade Level |
Activity Source |
Time | Special Materials |
|
Build a Dam: Can you build one out of popsicle sticks and small rocks? |
Dams | 3-4, 5-6 |
ZOOM | 45 min. | n/a |
|
Busy as a Beaver: Build a dam using materials from nature. |
Dams | 3-4, 5-6 |
ASCEville | 45 min. | n/a |
|
Under Pressure: Investigate the behavior of water in plastic water bottles spilling through holes punctured at different heights. |
Dams: Water Pressure | 3-4, 5-6 |
Teach Engineering | 30 min. | For leader: drill with ~1/8-in bit or a sharp-pointed object to punch 1/8-in holes and stopwatch. Per team: 2-liter plastic bottle |
|
Dam Forces: Learn how the force of water helps determine the size and shape of dams. |
Dams: Multiple Types | 5-6, 7-8 |
Teach Engineering | 30 min. | Per group: 25 lbs. air-dry modeling clay (bought online). Per team: 1 large waterproof bin; 4 small disposable plastic containers; 1 cup sand; 10-15 small dominoes, wood or metal blocks |
|
Dam Pass or Fail: Research and investigate the success or failure of eight dams and complete a worksheet. |
Dams: Multiple Types | 5-6, 7-8 |
Teach Engineering | 45 min. | Per team: Internet access |
|
Flood! Construct a model of a river system with levees. |
Dams: Levees | 5-6, 7-8 |
NOVA | 45 min. | Per group: 10 lbs. modeling clay. Per team: Large flat tray with side or aluminum baking pan |
|
Four Corners Reservoir: Build 4 different types of dams and test them. |
Dams: Multiple Types | 5-6, 7-8 |
ASCEville | 45 min. | Per group: 25 lbs. air-dry clay (bought online); Per team: 1 large disposable aluminum baking dish (c. 18”x13”) |
|
Under Pressure: How great is the water pressure? |
Dams: Water Pressure | 5-6, 7-8 |
Building Big | 30 min. | Per team: 2 liter plastic bottles, awl or sharp scissors, acrylic caulk |
|
Hydropower! Building a water turbine and explore dams and hydroelectric power. |
Dams: hydroelectric power | 7-8 | ASCEville | 45 min. | n/a |
*Indicates whether an activity is suitable for a community event. Activities considered appropriate for a large-scale community event are attention-grabbing but simple; use inexpensive materials; require minimal instruction, supervision, and cleanup; and can be modified to take place over a short period of time (about 15-20 minutes).
