Let's Build a Dam!

Our class has been working diligently to become Beaver Experts.  Now that all our research is completed, we were ready to tackle the engineering challenge: design and construct a beaver dam.  After a little thinking, I decided what better way to really internalize this process than to actually go out and build a real dam together!  So.....we DID just that!  On Saturday, scholars and their parents met me in Grapevine at the Heritage Botanical Gardens to build a beaver dam!  We began with what we know:  the materials that beavers use to construct/build their dam.  The scholars set out to gather sticks of various sizes, we knew we would find plenty of rocks and mud down by the stream.  Once we gathered enough sticks/branches, we located the perfect spot to engineer our beaver dam.  The scholars worked as a beaver family would: moving rocks, sticks and filling in the gaps with mud.  After about an hour, we had engineered a successful beaver dam!  I believe the scholars will have no problems back in the classroom designing and engineering their own smaller beaver dam.  Authentic learning is so much fun!!!!   Best Day Ever