Topic:

th

Lesson #

8-9

STEM Challenge: Build a Dam

Date:__________

Standard:
S5E1 Students will identify surface features of the Earth caused by constructive and destructive
processes.
a. Identify surface features caused by constructive processes.
b. Identify and find examples of surface features caused by destructive processes
c. Relate the role of technology and human intervention in the control of constructive and destructive processes.
S5CS4. Students will use ideas of system, model, change, and scale in exploring scientific and
technological matters.
a. Observe and describe how parts influence one another in things with many parts.

Essential Question:
How can I build an operational dam?

Vocabulary:

Materials:

Force

--STEM Challenge pages for students

--Display Engineering Design Process
--Dam testing set-up (see images below)
--Building materials (up to individual teacher)

dam

pressure

construct

Instruction: (project adapted from www.tryengineering.org)

Day 1:
1. To introduce the lesson, discuss how engineers solve problems and how a dam can create an energy source as well as
redirect water to areas of greater need. Talk about how redirecting or holding back water may impact the environment in
a local area. Discuss ethical considerations engineers must consider before building any structure.
2. Review the forces that impact dams of different shapes.
3. Teams will consider their challenge and draw a diagram of their planned dam. Students who finish planning may
begin construction.
Day 2:
1. Students should complete construction. Students can test and improve their designs for as long as time allows.
2. Stop all groups with enough time for all groups to present and test before the class. Create a class chart that lists
strengths/weaknesses of each design. Encourage students to respond to the testing phase with I like I

noticed and I wonder statements to encourage positive feedback.

Summarizer/Assessment:

Lab Safety Precautions:

Double check all building materials for sharp edges.
Encourage safe use of materials and scissors when
building.

Have students write a reflection to the teacher

including the success/failure of their structure,
how their group worked, what they learned about Classroom Teacher Connections:
dams.
Teacher Notes:

Science Lab Lesson Plan

Ideas for testing:
Use a stream table with a clay river bed.

Use a long planter with rocks and soil in the bottom

Name__________________

Build a Dam STEM Challenge

5th Grade
The Tennessee Valley Authority is looking for civil
engineers with new and inventive ideas regarding materials
and construction for their dam building department. Create
a working prototype to share with them at your job
interview in a few weeks!
Challenge: Build an operational dam.

Criteria:
1. The testing area may not be altered.
2. Dams must be able to hold back 4 cups of water.
3. Dams must allow the controlled release of SOME water.
4. Teams must be able to demonstrate allowing water to flow, then stop, then flow
again.
5. On the bottom of your container you must have 1 cup sand.
Constraints:
You only have 1 day during your STEM time for construction!
You may only use the provided materials.
You must work together as a group to finish the project!
Materials:
1 cup sand, tub, 4 cups water, measuring cup, 12 inches of foil, unlimited plastic bags,
25 craft sticks, 1 packs of clay, unlimited string, craft glue

PLAN: Here is or groups ideas about how to build the dam.

Build your dam and draw a picture of what it looks like:

How is your finished dam different from your plan?

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How could you make your dam better?
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