Exploring Grand Falls, Arizona

Lesson Plan

Grades K-8

Overview

Grand Falls, or “Chocolate Falls,” in northern Arizona offers a fantastic educational experience. This field trip will introduce students to concepts in geology, ecology, and Native American history while encouraging respect for nature through Leave No Trace principles.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Grand Falls is during snowmelt in early spring (March and April) or after monsoon rains (July and August). During these times, water flows abundantly over the falls, creating a beautiful chocolate-brown cascade. Avoid visiting midday in summer, as temperatures can be extreme.

Objectives

• Understand how erosion and water cycles impact landscapes.

• Explore the diverse plant and animal life of the desert and learn how they adapt to their environment.

• Learn about the history and cultural significance of Grand Falls, including the Native American tribes connected to this area.

Materials Needed

• Notebooks and pencils

• Clipboards

• Binoculars (for wildlife observation)

• Field guides (see suggestions below)

• Thermometers (for observing temperature changes)

• Water bottles and sun protection (hats, sunscreen)

• Trash bags (to practice Leave No Trace)

• Camera

Pre-Trip Topics

1. Leave No Trace Principles

• Discuss the importance of leaving natural spaces undisturbed to protect the environment and local wildlife. Emphasize the importance of staying on trails, respecting wildlife, and picking up any trash.

2. Erosion and Geology

• Introduce the concept of erosion and explain how water shapes landscapes over time, forming features like Grand Falls.

3. Water Cycle and Desert Climates

• Review the water cycle and discuss why Grand Falls flows seasonally. Cover the importance of water conservation, especially in desert environments.

4. Local Ecology

• Introduce common desert plants (e.g., mesquite, sagebrush) and animals (e.g., lizards, hawks) students may observe. Explain how these species adapt to the desert.

5. Native American History

• Explain that Grand Falls is part of the Navajo Nation and discuss the area’s significance to local tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni. These tribes have cultural, historical, and spiritual connections to the land.

Suggested Field Guides

• Plants and Wildlife: National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southwestern States (covers plants, animals, and landscapes of Arizona).

• Bird Watching: The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America (excellent for bird identification).

• Rocks and Geology: Rocks, Gems, and Minerals of the Southwest by Herbert S. Zim and Paul R. Shaffer (covers basic geology with simple explanations).

Activities at Grand Falls

1. Observation and Sketching (30 minutes)

• Objective: Develop observational skills by closely examining the landscape and sketching the falls.

• Instructions: Find a spot with a clear view of the falls. Have students sketch what they see, noting colors, textures, and the surrounding environment. Encourage them to write down observations, like the sound of the water and any plant or animal sightings.

2. Erosion and Rock Study (30 minutes)

• Objective: Understand erosion’s role in shaping the landscape.

• Instructions: Explain how water flow changes the rock formations at Grand Falls. Ask students to pick up small rocks (if allowed) and examine their texture and color, making notes in their journals.

3. Temperature and Environment (20 minutes)

• Objective: Learn about the desert climate and temperature variations.

• Instructions: Have students measure temperatures in different areas (shade, near the water, and in the sun). Discuss how these temperatures impact local plants and animals and how species adapt to these conditions.

4. Native Plant and Wildlife Scavenger Hunt (30 minutes)

• Objective: Practice identifying local desert plants and animals.

• Instructions: Give students a checklist of common species and encourage them to find each one. Use the field guides to help identify different plants and animals. Have them record their findings and any adaptations they notice.

5. Water Cycle Connection (20 minutes)

• Objective: Relate the water cycle to desert environments.

• Instructions: Discuss how water flows from the snowmelt and monsoons into the Little Colorado River, creating the falls. Draw a simple diagram to illustrate precipitation, collection, and evaporation. Encourage students to think about the importance of water conservation.

Book Recommendations

• Grades K-2: “A Desert Habitat” by Kelley MacAulay and Bobbie Kalman – a great introduction to the desert ecosystem and the plants and animals that live there.

• Grades 3-5: “The Magic School Bus Gets All Dried Up: A Book About Deserts” by Joanna Cole – a fun, informative way to learn about deserts and their unique ecosystems.

• Grades 6-8: “Grand Canyon” by Jason Chin – a beautiful and educational book that explores the canyon’s geology, history, and wildlife.

Post-Trip Reflection and Discussion

1. Debrief on Erosion and Water Cycle

• Ask students to explain how the falls illustrate erosion and the water cycle. What surprised them most about the falls or the desert landscape?

2. Create and Share Drawings

• Encourage students to share their sketches or favorite moments from the trip. They can also write a few sentences explaining what they learned.

3. Reflection on Leave No Trace

• Discuss the importance of respecting natural spaces and have students share how they applied Leave No Trace principles during the trip.

Extensions and Additional Resources

• Reading and Storytelling: Share stories or legends from the Navajo, Hopi, or Zuni tribes. Discuss the spiritual connection these tribes have with Grand Falls and the surrounding landscape.

• Erosion Experiment at Home: After the trip, use sand, water, and a container to create a simple erosion model, demonstrating how water shapes land over time.

• Water Conservation Activity: Brainstorm simple actions for water conservation at home, reinforcing the importance of water in desert regions.

Safety Tips

• Caution students to stay a safe distance from the water’s edge, as rocks can be slippery.

• Ensure everyone brings plenty of water, wears sun protection, and is mindful of Arizona’s hot climate.

• Respect all wildlife and plants by observing from a distance and not disturbing the environment.

This hands-on field trip to Grand Falls offers an unforgettable learning experience, blending science, history, and respect for nature into one adventure. It’s a perfect way to foster curiosity and environmental stewardship in young Geniuses.