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To Build or Note to Build.. that is the question
Preparation for the Colorado Dam Debate
Enter the following link into your browser
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/esu401/esu401page01.cfm
or enter “Damming the Colorado River” into Google. Click on the first link that comes up. For this
activity, you will be reading some text and rate how you feel about various factors affecting the impact
of the Colorado dam.
In this simulation, you will read the information on the step by step guide, look at the simulations &
pictures – and then rate the impact of various factors to form your overall opinion of the Colorado dam.
After reading steps 1-3, answer the following questions:
1. What kind of impact do humans have on the environment when a dam is built? Do you think
that building a dam is a good thing? Why or why not?
2. What are the six aspects that you will be reading about and rating?
For step #3:
3. Consider how opportunities for recreation in the area changed after the dam was built. Do you
think the dam has proven to be a cost (negative effect) or a benefit (positive effect) in terms of
providing opportunities for recreation? In the chart on your student answer sheet, use a scale
from -2 to +2 to indicate your evaluation of the dam's impact on recreation.
A rating of -2 would mean that you believe the dam had a very negative effect on recreational
opportunities in the area. A rating of +2 would mean that you believe the dam had a very
positive effect on recreational opportunities in the area. A rating of zero would mean you
thought the costs of the changes in opportunities for recreation were equal to the benefits.
4. Explain WHY you have given your particular rating. Remember that you will be using this note
page for the debate – the more detail you write down – the better prepared you will be.
For step #5
5. What benefits do archeological sites and artifacts offer a culture?
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For Step #6
6. Describe how you might have felt about a lake flooding the canyon if you had lived in the Glen
Canyon area.
7. Consider the overall impact of the dam and lake on native cultures. Do you think the dam has
proven to be a cost (negative effect) or a benefit (positive effect) for native culture? In the chart
on your student answer sheet, use a scale from -2 to +2 to indicate your evaluation of the dam’s
impact on native culture. Why have you chosen to give this rating?
For Step #7
8. Describe how discharge levels and water temperature in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon
Dam changed after the dam was built.
For Step #8
9. Describe the importance of annual floods to canyon flora and fauna.
10. Consider the overall impact of Glen Canyon Dam on the water that flows through the Grand
Canyon. In the chart on your student answer sheet, use a scale from -2 to +2 to indicate your
evaluation of the dam's impact on water downstream from the dam. Why have you chosen to
give this rating?
Step #9
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11. Consider the overall impact of Glen Canyon Dam for providing hydroelectric power. In the chart
on your student answer sheet, use a scale from -2 to +2 to indicate your evaluation of the dam
with respect to providing hydroelectricity. Why have you chosen to give this rating?
For Step #10
12. Consider the overall impact of Glen Canyon Dam on providing irrigation for crops. In the chart
on your student answer sheet, use a scale from -2 to +2 to indicate your evaluation of the dam
for providing irrigation. Why have you chosen to give this rating?
For Step #11
13. Describe the former environment of Glen Canyon. What were some of the benefits this natural
area offered?
14. Consider the overall impact of Lake Powell on the preservation of natural areas. On your student
answer sheet, use a scale from -2 to +2 to indicate your evaluation of the dam’s impact on
preservation of natural areas. Why have you chosen to give this rating?
For Step #12
15. Does your total score accurately represent your overall opinion of the impact of Glen Canyon
Dam and Lake Powell? Describe any discrepancies.
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16. How could you change the rating system to indicate that some aspects are more important than
others?
17. What other aspects of the dam and lake might you rate?
18. After going through this activity… Do you think that building a dam is a good thing? Why or why
not?