Smarter Balanced
Exploring the World
To prepare for the Exploring the World Performance Task, class groups generate a list of places they would like to explore, examine images of seven natural wonders of the world, and consider why these sites are wondrous. A map and images...
Curated OER
Layer By Layer
Have your class learn about the formation of the Grand Canyon using this lesson. After listening to a variety of stories about the Grand Canyon and erosion, learners complete worksheets related to the geology of this area. What a...
Curated OER
Sedimentation in the Grand Canyon
In this sedimentation worksheet, students use the current rate of sediment deposit by the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon to answer questions about the changes taking place in the canyon. They graph the amount of deposit over 75 years...
Curated OER
Grand Canyon
In this Grand Canyon activity, students answer 5 true or false questions that involve making inferences from a reading passage about the Grand Canyon. Then the students write a short opinion paragraph where they help the family in the...
Curated OER
"The Site Every American Should See"
Students research the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon. They write a descriptive paper about the Park. They also write a speech about why the Grand Canyon should be preserved.
Curated OER
Grand Canyon History Lesson
Students explore the history of the Grand Canyon. In this Grand Canyon lesson, students read "Grand Canyon National Park" by David Peterson and respond to questions regarding the piece. Students also create their own fossil models that...
Curated OER
Some Mammals of the Grand Canyon Word Search Puzzle
In this Grand Canyon mammals worksheet, students read 14 names of animals that live in the area of the Grand Canyon. Students find the words in a word search puzzle.
Curated OER
Mystery State #20
In this mystery state worksheet, students answer five clues to identify the state in question. They then locate that state on a map.
Curated OER
Earth's History
Sixth graders investigate how fossils are formed. They analyze a photo of the Grand Canyon, and create a fossil cast and mold using plaster of paris and shells.
Curated OER
Ferde Grofe
Learners participate in three different activities centered around Ferde Grofe. The different lessons are used to introduce music and the artist to the class. They listen to stories that music tells, and create their own sand painting...
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Exploration and Settlement of the American Southwest
Students scrutinize the Zuni Pueblo Revolt in this seven lessons unit on early Spanish explorers in the American southwest. The discovery of the Spanish missions, the search for the seven cities of gold, and particular geological...
Curated OER
National Park Service: American Visionaries: Thomas Moran
This online exhibit features the works of landscape artist Thomas Moran, whose paintings inspired the creation of Yellowstone Park in 1916. A gallery of images of his paintings is included.
PBS
Pbs: The National Parks: Grand Canyon National Park
Companion piece to a PBS feature on National Parks, this is a two page historical account of Grand Canyon National Park, home of the biggest canyon on earth.
University of Chicago
American Environmental Photographs 1891 1936
An interesting site that shows early photographs by Henry Chandler Cowles and George Damon Fuller and others. The images range from ecological settings to the consequences of human changes to the environment.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Lost in the Grand Canyon
The site of the PBS documentary "Lost in the Grand Canyon," features the story of John Wesley Powell and his famed trip down the Colorado River.
PBS
New Perspectives on the West: Francisco Vasquez De Coronado
Brief biography of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. Discusses his exploration into the current U.S. in search of gold. Includes a link to a translation of his chronicle of the journeys.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument
A look at the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in northern Arizona. The local topography and vegetation combine to provide a remoteness from the busy world and a place of beautiful solitude. Photos enable one to learn about the...
Other
Grand Canyon Geology
Photos, illustrations, 3D graphs and animations are part of this investigation into the geology and landforms of the Grand Canyon. Learn detailed information on the formation of the canyon, the rock layers, and the prehistoric life that...
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: The Grand Canyon
For this lesson, students will learn about the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, the impact it has had on local ecology, and what happens when a dam is opened for controlled flooding. After researching the Glen Canyon Dam controlled...
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University: Forty Years at the Grand Canyon
Site features the life of Bert Lauzon (1911-1951 CE) who spent his working life in the National Park Service at the Grand Canyon. Wonderful historic photos chronicle the early days in Arizona.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Virtual Tours of National Parks
Excellent site to discover the National Parks from the convenience of your computer. Click on each park for a virtual tour, many in 3D, many offering historic photos. Dig deep into our national geologic story.
Other
Canal Kids: Mundo (Natural & Historical World Wonders)
The "Mundo" area of Canal Kids highlights forty of the world's natural and historical wonders. Pick a location from the drop-down menu and get background information on the Parthenon, Mount Fuji, the Grand Canyon, the Great Wall of...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Grand Canyon Geology
Extensive information about the geology of the Grand Canyon. Looks at some principles of geology evident there, forces that have shaped its geological features, how its valleys and canyons were formed, the characteristics of the Colorado...
Other
Western Oregon University: Earth System Science: Geologic Time [Pdf]
An 81-page slideshow that looks at the principles of geology with respect to relative dating, at different concepts describing geological processes, at absolute age and radiometric dating, at the eons and eras in the geologic time scale,...