Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Are Dams Necessary? Taking Sides on this Controversial Issue

One of our fifth grade objectives is to examine the human role in nature. We looked at the role the Bureau of Reclamation played in the creating of dams, specifically here the Hoover Dam. We read an excerpt from John McPhee's Encounters with the Archdruid and discussed the reasons why some people were for the creation of dams while others were against their creation. The students were asked to create persuasive paragraphs taking one side of the issue.

Here is Zac explaining why he is for the creation of dams.


Here is Megan explaining why she is against the creation of dams.



Here is a link to a great video created by the Bureau of Reclamation as the dam was being built.
Video of the Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam) construction.

Here is the link to the persuasive paragraphs.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

In New Zealand we have hydro electricity that powers nearly all of our electricity needs. We don't have any nuclear power at all, and only one power station that runs on coal that we use sometimes. If we didn't have dams then we wouldnt be able to have electrity so I think that dams are a good idea!

pcone said...

Hello Mr. C!

It is a pleasure to be able to include Mr. McClung's blogging as part of the blog writing assignments. I've been using blog writing as a part of my ELA writing and communication (or whatever it is called). I am lucky enough to have only 13 grade six students for part of my day so why not explore the "unknown". Thanks for commenting!

cole said...

dams are no good. dams destroy wildlife and nature when it floods dams can over flow and destroy towns and some cities.hunting and fishing are no longer just because of dams. dams create trouble,and become contrastafy.