Readers discover the many ways in which dams and levees are marvels of modern engineering through accessible text and informative photographs. Each chapter focuses on an important aspect of these structures, including the history of their invention, examples of noteworthy dams and levees, related career paths, and stories of the tragedies that have occurred when dams and levees failed. This book's contents directly correlate with Next Generation Science Standards. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation and respect for the engineering behind dams and levees, and the influence these beautiful structures have on our society.