Beavers

Evidence on a tree shows that beavers have chewed it to build a dam. Beavers create dams, making them their own beaver lodges, to protect themselves from predators. These dams can also help with erosion and flooding. 

Driving Question

• How does a beaver make its den and how does it keep the beaver safe?

Probing Questions

• How do beavers get the logs to the water?
• Do they use a certain type of tree?
• Do they eat the tree?
• How big do they make their dens?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

• Build a model of a dam.
• Research a beaver’s habitat and where we would find them in Iowa.
• Research what kind of trees beavers use and if it matters.

Relevant Related Resources

NewsELA: Finding Ways to Share With Beavers: This article talks about sharing the land with beavers. The lexile was lowered for a lower grade to read. It can be adjusted on NewsELA.
NewsELA: Beavers Can HELP!: This article talks about beavers helping during a drought in California. The lexile was lowered for a lower grade to read. It can be adjusted on NewsELA. ​​​​​​​
YouTube: Beaver Lodge Construction Squad: Watch beavers in action as they knock down trees and create a home. ​​​​​​​
YouTube: Build Your Own Beaver Dam: See steps on how to build your own beaver den.