Curated OER
What Have We Done?
Middle schoolers investigate the effect of dams on the ecosystem. In this environmental lesson, students read case studies on the Aswan Dam and the Colorado River Basin and construct a T-chart to compare the effects on the region.
Curated OER
The Grand Canyon
Students act as scientists investigating the damming and experimental flooding of the Colorado River by the Glen Canyon dam that took place in 1996. They write a proposal as to whether or not more experimental flooding should be done on...
Curated OER
Take Me to the River
Students learn about a different way of life. In this river and dams lesson plan, students discuss the Hoover Dam. Students then view pictures of the Hoover Dam, discuss the impact of dams, and compare life before and after building a...
Curated OER
The Grand Canyon
Fourth graders study the Grand Canyon. They research the Grand Canyon and locate the Colorado River on the map of Arizona. They discuss erosion and read how sedimentary rock was formed. They view photographs of the Grand Canyon and...
Curated OER
Controlling the Flow of the Colorado River: A Study of Dams
Students research and map the Colorado River and its dams and predict the effects of a dam on an area. They suggest reasons a dam would be built and compare the Colorado River system with other major river systems within the US and...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Boulder Canyon Project Act (1928)
Informative site that tells about the act that authorized the building of the Hoover Dam. Read the complete text of the Boulder Canyon Project here.
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.
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...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dame was viewed as an engineering feat, in the 1930s. This documentary examines the construction and engineering problems that occurred and the questions that arose about the economic and environmental impact this project...
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...
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: Coronado Explores the Southwestern United States
This page details Coronado's expedition, the discovery of the Grand Canyon and the search for Quivira. Click on the map for a closer look at Coronado's Expedition.
Other
The Colorado River
Features basic information on the Colorado River including a map of the states it flows through.
Other
Bureau of Reclamation: Hoover Dam
A wonderful, informative site on the Hoover Dam. Find out how the largest dam of its time came to be in this fascinating story.
Read Works
Read Works: John Wesley Powell Maps the Grand Canyon
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read natural historian John Wesley Powell and his men who worked to create a map of the Grand Canyon. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Water: A Give and Take
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage discusses the Cave of Crystals in Mexico and the processes involved in its creation. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Grand Canyon National Park
The official site from the National Park Service. Includes information to plan a trip there, its geologic significance, its biological diversity, natural features, and ecosystems.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Grand Canyon Became a National Park
The Grand Canyon officially became a National Park on February 26, 1919. This article features actual photos and a description of this historic event.
Other
River Systems of the World
Find statistics about the many river systems of the world. Includes facts such as length, drainage area, cities, notable tributaries, and more. Also provides links to sites about some of the rivers.
NASA
Nasa: Colorado River Delta
A satellite image from NASA of the Colorado River Delta, located in Northern Mexico. Follow the links for more detailed images.
Kenyon College
Kenyon College: Negative Externalities Bonneville and Glen Canyon Dams
This article examines the impact of the Bonneville Dam and the Glen Canyon Dam, both in the American West, and examines how there has been a negative impact on the surrounding wildlife, peoples, and even Mexico. The article also...
