Lesson Idea | Dam Building

Can your busy little beavers match the skills of the real deal?

What You'll Need

- A small stream, flowing surface water after rainfall or large, shallow waterproof containers and access to water
- Natural loose materials e.g. mud, sticks, and stones
- Waterproof clothing and footwear

Activity

Find a suitable site where there is a small flow of water after rainfall. Alternatively set up shallow waterproof containers outside. Challenge the children to use the natural materials around them to try and control the movement of the water.

Maybe They Can:

- Slow it down
- Stop it completely and form a pool
- Change the direction of the flow

If you are using containers, the children will need to build the dam first before you add water behind it and observe how the water flows. You may want to tilt to container slightly.

For further information, please visit Learning through Landscapes website.