FACTivity – Logjams and Beaver Dams
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In this FACTivity, you will build a physical representation, or a model, of a beaver dam. Some of the questions you will answer in this FACTivity are:
- How can you successfully build a model of a beaver dam?
- What are the similarities and differences between a beaver dam and a logjam?
Materials (for each student or group of students):
- Large disposable aluminum pan
- Dirt - enough to cover the pan's bottom to 1"
- A bucket of extra dirt with water, mixed to a thick mud
- Scissors (for the educator or supervisor)
- Plastic gallon jug filled with water
- Water source
- Sticks of various sizes
- Other natural materials (i.e. gravel, small rocks, leaves, bark, grass, etc.)
- Graphic organizer (included)
Part Of
Logjams and Beaver Dams: How Different Landforms Affect the Amount of Carbon in an Ecosystem
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Standards addressed in this Activity:
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a set of K-12 science education standards emphasizing inquiry-based learning, real-world applications, and integrating engineering practices, aiming to deepen understanding of science while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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MS-ETS1-2
Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
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MS-ETS1-3
Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
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MS-ETS1-4
Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
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MS-LS2-3
Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
Social Studies Standards are educational guidelines outlining the essential knowledge, skills, and concepts students should learn in subjects such as history, geography, civics, and economics, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of societal structures, historical events, and global perspectives.
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People, Places, and Environments