Oh Dam: Do Humans or Wildlife Benefit More From Dams?

This week On The River we explore how dams effect wildlife and humans while we paddle across Lake Sakakawea, a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River. Do you think wildlife or humans benefit more from dams, and what are those benefits?

This week On The River we explore the positive and negative effects of dams on humans and wildlife. Do you think humans or wildlife benefits the most from dams?

Grades: 4-9

Standards:

  • 4-ESS3.A: Natural Resources
  • MS-ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
  • HS-LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

Supplemental Work:

  • Speak for the wildlife like Ann did. Pick an animal that lives along the river. Research how dams effect your animals and then write a letter to one of your representatives with your animal's perspective. 
  • Make a list of all the pros and cons of dams we didn't cover in our video.
  • Draw the river before and after dams are created.