The Grand Canyon: Nature’s Masterpiece

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Where Is the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is in Arizona, a state in the southwest United States.

It stretches over 1,900 square miles, with parts of the canyon plunging more than a mile deep!

How Was It Formed?

The mighty Colorado River shaped the Grand Canyon. Over time, the river cut through rock, carving out the canyon bit by bit.

This process, called erosion, involves water breaking down rock and carrying the pieces downstream. Wind and ice also played a role, helping to shape the canyon’s unique features.

Amazingly, erosion is still happening today!

Check out these examples of erosion in action: wind, water, and ice erosion.

What Does It Look Like?

The Grand Canyon has rugged peaks, winding valleys, and colorful rock layers resembling stripes. These stripes are layers of sediment deposited by water long ago.

The deeper you go, the older the rock layers become. It’s like a natural history book written in stone!

Watch this quick video to see the Grand Canyon up close.

Why Is It Important?

In the 1800s, people recognized the Grand Canyon’s beauty, but miners and developers threatened its future.

Inspired by the canyon’s grandeur, President Theodore Roosevelt worked to protect it. His efforts helped turn the Grand Canyon into a National Park in 1919, ensuring its beauty would be preserved for future generations.

What Is It Like Today?

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Visitors hike its trails, take in stunning views from the Skywalk, or even raft along the Colorado River. Guided tours and exhibits share the canyon’s rich history and cultural significance, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Watch this video on the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Wow!

• Would you want to walk out there?

Head to the Got It? section for more!