Students at Connections Academy at Springs have been busy learning about how dams work, reported 2nd-grade teacher Arlene Bernath. As part of their science unit, students explored the purpose and structure of dams and then built their own using everyday materials.
One student, James Martin, even took his learning a step further by building two dams, Arlene said. After testing both, James discovered that the one made of rocks was the most successful in holding back water. She continued, “His experiment showed just how important materials are when it comes to building something strong and effective.”
Connections Academy teachers “love” incorporating hands-on projects in the curriculum because “they make learning fun, interactive, and memorable,” she explained. “These kinds of activities help students think like real scientists—asking questions, testing ideas, and learning from what works and what doesn’t.”
