Early Dams: Discovering History Series, by Paul Wolter and Beverly Vaillancourt, M.Ed.
Grades 3 - 5
Students learn about how water was used to power water wheels, and thus work the machinery of the mills. Students deepen their understanding of how European settlement changed the landscape with the building of dams and millraces, and then the houses and businesses that began the city of Baraboo.
Students are given the opportunity to speculate and then research the workings of water wheel power. Have them work in pairs, as a small team, or if home schooled with an older sibling or adult to research the history of water wheels and their use in the turning of gears of 19th century machinery.
Companion eBook: The Mills and Dams of Wisconsin
