Dam Removal Argument (Graded: Crit A) - Erin Morgan | Library

PART 1. Check for understanding. (3 points)
To answer these questions, you may use your notes from Tuesday & this slideshow. Just be sure to use your own words.

You'll have 25 minutes in class, and can finish afterschool if you need more time.

1

Which of the following do salmon need for survival? (Hint: choose three correct answers).

1

Sort: which of these are benefits of dams, and which are unintended consequences?

Reduce flooding
Prevent sediment from flowing downstream
Store water for irrigation and drinking
Create a slow-moving, warm pool above the dam
Block passage for aquatic animals
Produce clean, hydroelectric energy

Benefits
Unintended Consequences

1

Describe one tradition that Oregon's Native American communities practice that shows their understanding of environmental sustainability. (Hint: something related to salmon?)

Part 2: Construct an argument about the removal of the Klamath River dams. (5 points)

Question: 
Why is removing the Klamath River dams critical for both environmental and social sustainability?

Your task:
Native American tribes and environmentalists are advocating for the immediate removal of the dams on the Klamath River to ensure the survival of salmon and to protect Native American culture. What do you think? 

The purpose of this task is to use what you learned this week to create a strong argument for or against the dam removal.  I'll be looking for answers that use specific, accurate evidence, clear reasoning, and your own words.

0

Claim - which argument will you make?

2

Evidence #1 - Environmental
What evidence do you have that dams impact salmon and the environment? Be sure to explain.

Tip: you could discuss one of the graphs on slides 13, 18 or 19 using your knowledge about salmon needs. Use one of these sentence starters or write your own:
Data from the Columbia River show...
As seen in the graph showing the percentage of infected salmon ....
One piece of evidence showing the environmental harm of dams is...

2

Evidence #2 - Social
What evidence you have that dams impact Native American tribal communities? Be sure to explain.

Tip: describe and explain a specific fact you learned about Oregon's tribes' connection to salmon, you could use slides 9, 20, your notes on this reading, or the videos in Section 4 of your notes. Use one of these sentence starters or write your own:
Further, tribal history shows...
Traditionally, ... but now....

1

Reasoning. Wrap it up by explaining how the evidence above shows that dams are / are not sustainable.
Use one of these sentence starters or write your own:
This evidence shows that the Klamath River dams are (are not) sustainable because...
All of the evidence shows that the Klamath River dams must be removed because…
Despite the evidence showing ...., Klamath River dams are sustainable because...