Shimmering Waterfall

Did you know that the largest waterfall in the world is underwater? Learn more about the Earth’s waterfalls and create a model of falling water plunging into a pool.

• 1.

  Find information about waterfalls located around the world. Identify the world’s highest waterfall, the largest waterfall, and unusual waterfalls. Look closely at pictures of waterfalls. Study diagrams of waterfall formations, so that you understand the geographical terms and the way waterfalls develop.

• 2.

  Choose a waterfall to create in 3-D. Here’s one way to construct your replica. Cover your art area with newspaper. Crush small recycled boxes to make rocks to support your waterfall. Pile up and glue boxes together using Crayola® School Glue. Air-dry, using a heavy object to hold rocks in place if needed.

• 3.

  Mix white and black Crayola Tempera to color your rocks. Paint rocks with Crayola Paint Brushes. Air-dry.

• 4.

  To make cascading water, use green, blue, white, and purple Crayola Gel Markers. Color stripes of varying widths on white or light blue construction paper. Experiment with layering and overlapping colors. Tear into thin strips. Arrange and glue some strips so they fall like shimmering water over the rocks. Air-dry.

• 5.

  Glue your waterfall to a corrugated cardboard base. Air-dry.

• 6.

  To make a plunge pool, glue leftover paper strips to cover cardboard base. Mix equal parts of glue and water to make a shiny glaze. Brush over the strips forming the waterfall and the plunge pool (but not the rocks).

• 7.

  To make the foam at the base of your waterfall, tear white Hallmark tissue paper into thin strips. Gently crumple them. Glue along the base until the entire waterfall base is foamy. Air-dry.

• 8.

  On oaktag, use Crayola Washable Markers to create additional features such as trees and bushes for your waterfall. Cut features out with Crayola Scissors and glue in place.

• 9.

  Label your waterfall with its name, the river it is on, and the country/countries and continent in which it is located.

Benefits

• Students research facts about waterfalls around the world.
• Students identify geographical names for the parts of waterfalls.
• Students create and label a 3-dimensional representation of a waterfall.

Adaptations

• Construct your waterfall to scale. What proportions do you need to use to make it fit in your classroom?
• Students use small, self-stick notes to label geographical features for assessment purposes.
• Research how waterfalls are a source of hydroelectric power. Make a model of how the energy from falling water is converted into electricity.
• Write an illustrated book explaining the process of how a waterfall forms. Share the book and waterfall models with younger students.