Activity (Hands-On)Grades 4 - 6
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 they, as Splash Engineering engineers, will design for Thirsty County.
Clay model of a gravity dam.
Every dam is a unique structure, and provides engineers with the opportunity for much creativity. In designing a dam, engineers consider the specific existing environmental conditions, the forces expected to act upon the dam, and the suitability of different dam design types. Their completed designs must fulfill each community's particular requirements.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Understand the concept of a force.
- Understand that water acts as a force on a dam and that the dam must respond with an equal force to hold back the water.
- Name four different types of dams.
- List some advantages and disadvantages of the different types of dams.