Dams 101 for Kids

Dams 101 for Kids

Welcome to the World of Dams!

Dams are fascinating structures that play a crucial role in managing our water resources. A dam is built to hold back water or other liquid materials, and they can be found on rivers where they help create reservoirs—artificial lakes that store water. Dams help us regulate the water we have, ensuring that we can prevent floods when there's too much water and avoid droughts during dry spells. They are an essential part of our environment and daily lives.

What Are Dams Made Of?

Dams can be made from several materials depending on their purpose. Common building materials include earth, rock, concrete, and even steel. The design and materials used for a dam are selected by engineers based on how they plan to use the dam—whether for water storage, generating energy, or recreation.

Key Components of a Dam

Here are some parts of a typical dam:

• CREST - the highest point of the dam
• ABUTMENT - where the dam meets the valley side
• BERM - a flat area in the profile of the dam
• OUTLET - an area to release water
• SPILLWAY - lets water flow out from the reservoir
• EMERGENCY SPILLWAY - an additional overflow outlet

The History of Dams

Dams are not a modern invention. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, built simple dams thousands of years ago to manage their water supply. Many cultures learned from these early designs and continued to improve upon them over time, leading to the advanced dam engineering we see today.

Fun Facts About Dams

Did you know that there are over 90,000 dams in the United States? These structures serve multiple purposes—many are used for recreation, such as fishing and boating. Additionally, dams help provide water to farms, combat fire emergencies, and produce hydroelectric power, which is a clean and renewable energy source.

Safety Around Dams

While the water near dams can look calm and inviting, it is important to remember that it can also be very dangerous. Kids should never play near a dam without adult supervision, as even small dams can pose risks of slipping or falling into the water.

Get Creative! Build Your Own Dam

If you're inspired by what you've learned, why not take on the Dam Challenge? Gather some materials and try building your own dam with instructions available online. You can also play games that simulate being a dam engineer, like those on PBS Kids!

Learn More!

There are lots of activities related to dams waiting for you! Grab some crayons and try solving a crossword puzzle, or navigate through a maze themed around dams. Check out educational videos online to further explore what a dam is or what it takes to be a dam engineer!