How Do Fish Get Past a Dam?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do fish get past a dam?

The Big Idea

Fish get past a dam using a fish ladder, which works like a staircase of water! Many fish must swim upstream to lay their eggs. A dam can block their way, so people built a helping path.

Blocked Path

Step one: the problem. Many fish need to swim up rivers to find good places to lay their eggs. A tall dam can block the path like a giant wall.

Fish Ladder

Step two: the ladder. A fish ladder, or fishway, is a set of stepped pools that works like a staircase of water. Fish rest in each pool, then leap or swim to the next one.

Fish Elevator

Step three: the elevator. Some dams have fish elevators or lifts that carry fish up in a tank. At the top, the fish are released into the river above the dam to keep going.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a fish ladder! The dam blocks the river. Stepped pools make a staircase. Fish rest and then leap up. Or a fish lift carries them in a tank.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some fish ladders have windows where visitors can watch fish go by. Scientists count the fish that pass. Fish ladders help salmon and other migrating fish. Watch from the viewing area with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like an engineer! Build a ladder out of paper cups set in steps. With a grown-up, slowly pour water from the top. Imagine fish hopping up each cup! Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Fish ladders and lifts help fish get past dams. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!