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March 2023
Academic Standards
Reading Objective:
Students will identify ways that beaver dams can help stop erosion in creeks.
Reading Level:
Lexile: 510L; GRL: L
Next Generation Science Standards:
2-EES2-1: Solutions to slow or prevent wind and water from changing the shape of the land
Vocabulary:
creek, dam, sponge, erosion, lodge
Use these questions to check students’ understanding and stimulate discussion:
1. What was the problem with Jay’s creek? (It was drying up.)
2. What did beavers do on the creek when Jay was a kid? (They built dams that slowed the water.)
3. How did fast water harm the creek? (It washed away soil that soaked up and held onto water.)
4. What steps did Jay use to solve his problem? (Answers will vary.)
Go online to print or project the Reading Checkpoint.
Materials: low-sided trays or pans, sticks, leaves, small rocks, mud or air-dry clay, pencils, copies of the skill sheet
Overview: Groups of kids create a tiny “dam” in the center of a waterproof tray using sticks, mud, etc. They pour water to test it.
Directions: