Grades K–2 · Organisms
How does a beaver dam make a pond?
A beaver can pile branches, mud and other material across a stream. This pile is a dam. It blocks some of the easy paths that flowing water had before.
In the diagramA barrier makes water gather upstreamhigher pondcontinuing flowdamseparate lodge
Water arrives from upstream faster than it can pass the new barrier. The water level behind the dam rises and spreads outward. A pond can form where there was a narrower stream.
Some water still passes through or over the dam. The pond can help protect a beaver’s home, called a lodge. The lodge and the dam have different jobs: one is shelter, and one holds back water.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Know that stream water moves downhill and recognize sticks and mud.
Sources
- National Park Service — Build a Beaver Dam