Whether it's a beaver dam or the Hoover Dam, all dams rely on science to function properly. People first began damming rivers to stop flooding and provide water for irrigation. These early dams were made with simple techniques and technology. Today, dams are constructed to prevent flooding and to provide water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and freshwater for large populations. Modern advances in dam technology would have never happened if it weren't for dedicated scientist and engineers. This volume provides an exciting opportunity for readers to learn about fundamental STEM topics. Detailed photographs, diagrams, and fast fact boxes help readers make essential connections to the social studies and science curricula.