Dams

Activity Overview

In this Activity, students have the opportunity to build and test several different dam designs, and to contemplate why some work better than others.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the activity, students should be able to:

  1. Report how the behaviour of flat and curved dams differ
  2. Offer ideas about why a curved design is more effective
Downloadables

Tips for Using the Activity

Students should be encouraged to enjoy the Activity.

They should not be rushed or under pressure to obtain the “correct answer” or a high grade.

Increased “water” depths can be realized if the marbles are introduced carefully and if the dam wall is supported by hand as the marbles are being placed.

Equipment Design

This is an easy Activity to build and operate. We used much of the same equipment for the Tanks, Culverts, Dams and Retaining Wall Activities.

Additional Information

See the Downloadables section for more information on this activity.