History of The Grand Canyon (7 Natural Wonders of the World Series)

Welcome to a new episode of Check This Out!, the podcast for kids and their grown-ups! Join Amy and Cece as they embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the depths of the Grand Canyon. The duo dives into intriguing facts, trivia, and stories from history that highlight its significance.

Over the course of the episode, listeners will discover fun insights, such as the canyon's formation, its unique weather patterns, and the incredible lives of Native Americans who have long inhabited the area. Amy and Cece challenge their listeners with a lightning round to test their knowledge about the other natural wonders and delve into fascinating tales, including the infamous explorations led by John Wesley Powell.

Plus, don’t miss out on the duo’s engaging trivia segment, where listeners can learn even more about this majestic site, including the wildlife that calls it home and how it was established as a national park!

Join us as we celebrate the Grand Canyon and set the stage for the other Natural Wonders to be explored in the episodes to come!

Hashtags:
#KidsPodcast #NaturalWonders #GrandCanyon #HistoryForKids #ExploreNature #CECEandAmy #EducationalPodcast #TriviaFun #GeologyRocks #FamilyPodcast #historypodcastforkids #historypodcast #7wonders

Transcript

Cece: Welcome to Check this out! Podcast for kids 

And their grownups where we explore people, places, ponderings and past moments from history that shape the world around us.  My name is Amy Contreras, and I’m Cece.  

This week we are starting a new series on the 7 natural wonders of the world. AND we are switching things up a little bit.  Since we launched the podcast we’ve been telling you about impactful people from history.  We’ve done episodes on famous americans, american presidents, and women from around the world who changed the world.  But Check this out is a podcast about all things from history.  And Places play an important role in history!  

Over our next 7 episodes we will be diving into the 7 natural wonders of the world.  

Cece: But that’s not all! 

You’re right!  We aren’t just talking about what these places are and why they have been called the natural wonders of the world.  We will tell you fun facts, hit you with some fun knowledge checks, and tell you about amazing things that have happened in these places over the years. 

Cece: I’m excited 

This first episode in our series on the 7 natural wonders of the world features my personal favorite, the grand canyon.  Cece do you know why the grand canyon is my favorite natural wonder of the world? 

Cece: No

It’s because I’m from Arizona! Which is where the Grand Canyon is located.  I grew up taking trips to go visit the grand canyon.  This also happens to be the only wonder of the world I’ve seen in real life.  But let’s not get too picky about why its my favorite.  

Cece: Fair enough 

Like I said, we will be doing an episode on every single one of the natural wonders of the world.  But Cece I think we should see if our listeners know what the other 7 natural wonders of the world are.  Are you thinking what I’m thinking? 

Cece: Its time for a Lightning round! 

I love a Lightning round!  Let’s see what our listeners already know about the other 7 wonders of the world.  

Cece: Here we go! 

This lightning round only has 1 question - but its a tough one.   Can you name any of the other 7 natural wonders of the world?  

(Pause) 

We’ve already given you one - the grand canyon. 

(Pause) 

Cece: I don’t know!  

I’ll give you a clue.  One of the 7 natural wonders is the highest mountain in the world.  If you think of a famous mountain it's probably this one.  

Let’s keep thinking.  I’ll give you another clue.  One of the 7 natural wonders of the world can be found in the sky… does that ring any bells? 

Cece: Ummmmm 

What about this one.  Another natural wonder of the world exists under the ocean around australia…. 

Cece: I’ve got nothing.  

Its ok.  Maybe our listeners knew a few of them?  

Cece will you help me tell our listeners what the 7 natural wonders of the world are? 

Cece: Yea! 

Ok we know one of them is the grand canyon.  What’s next? 

Cece: Mount Everest 

Great job Cece! Mount Everest is the earth’s highest peak.  It is located in the HImalayas, a mountain range in asia.  Mount Everest is on the border between Nepal and Tibet.  So many amazing things have happened on Mount Everest, I'm excited for that episode.  What's another wonder Cece? 

Cece: The great barrier reef! 

Ah yes! The great barrier reef is incredible.  This is a huge stretch of amazing ocean life that is along Australia’s coast.  One of our favorite fictional fishies lives in the great barrier reef. 

Cece: Who mama? 

Nemo! 

Ok so far we have the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, and the Great Barrier Reef.  What are the other natural wonders of the world? 

Cece: Aurora Borealis otherwise known as the northern lights 

Yes! Aurora Borealis is a natural light display in the polar regions. These beautiful lights in the sky are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth's atmosphere, it creates vibrant, dancing hues of colors across the night sky. I hope to see them one day.  What's next Cece? 

Cece: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is on the Zambezi River. This huge waterfall spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This massive waterfall, is also known as "The Smoke that Thunders," if you’ve ever heard of Niagara Falls, Victoria falls puts it to shame! Victoria Falls is significantly larger than Niagara Falls both in width and height, and is considered the world's largest sheet of falling water. 

Cece: That is cool

Yea! Whats another natural wonder Cece? 

Cece: THe harbor at Rio De Janeiro

The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, also known as Guanabara Bay, is considered a wonder of the world due to its size, unique appearance, and the landmarks it surrounds. It's the largest bay in the world. This beautiful and unique harbor is surrounded by landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio. 

What are we missing Cece? We’ve told our listeners about the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, the Great Barrier Reef, Aurora Borealis, Victoria Falls, and the Harbor at Rio de Janeiro but that is only 6.  What is the 7th wonder? 

Cece: Paricutin Volcano. 

Paricutin Volcano, located in Mexico.  This volcano emerged unexpectedly in 1943. It was the first volcano to erupt in modern times whose entire life cycle, from birth to extinction, was witnessed and studied by scientists. It remained active until 1952.

So now we know the 7 natural wonders of the world.  Let’s recap one more time so we are all on the same page.  Cece- hit it.  

Cece: The Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, the Great Barrier Reef, Aurora Borealis, Victoria Falls, the Harbor at Rio de Janeiro, and Paricutin Volcano.   

Nice- thanks Cece.  I suppose after all that context we should dive into the natural wonder we are talking about this week huh?  No more waiting, let’s talk about the Grand Canyon! 

Cece: I’m excited! 

Me too!  Here we go… 

The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and is located in northwestern Arizona.  It runs about 277 miles long and at different points along the canyon it is as much as 18 miles wide.  It is a mile deep from the rim down to the colorado river that cuts through the bottom canyon.  

Cece: Wow 

Here are some cool facts about the grand canyon 

Cece: Fact #1 

Native Americans have lived in and around the canyon for at least 12,000 years.  Spanish explorers encountered the Grand Canyon in the 16th century. In1869 American Explorer John Wesley Powell and his team navigated the Colorado River through the canyon- after that it began to earn worldwide fame. In 1903 President Teddy Roosevelt visited the Grand Canyon and became a key figure in the protection of the grand canyon.  

Cece: More on that later 

Cece: Fact #2 

The Grand Canyon was established as a national park in 1919.  Over 4.5 million visitors come to the grand canyon each year.  There are 4 visitor centers at the Grand Canyon - South Rim, Verkamp’s, Desert View, North Rim.  The south rim is the busiest because it is closest to Phoenix Metro area.  The grand canyon has tons of beautiful hiking trails and view points.  There is only one place to stay at the bottom of the canyon, a place called Phantom Ranch.  

Cece: Fact #3 

The Grand Canyon creates its own weather

Because the size and depths of the Grand Canyon weather is a little wacky at teh Grand Canyon.  Sudden changes in elevation have an big impact on temperature, so the weather you're experiencing could change a lot depending on where you are in the Grand Canyon. 

Cece: I learned something new today 

Same honestly! 

Cece: True or False

The grand canyon is the largest canyon in the world!  

Cece: the answer is false 

In Tibet there is a canyon called The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.  This canyon is 17,567 feet deep, making it over than 2 miles deeper than the Grand Canyon! The grand canyon in arizona is 6,093 feet deep. The Tibetan canyon is also about 30 miles longer than the Grand Canyon.  So if you’re into cool canyons and geology or the study of earth, you should definitely check out the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon!  

But the grand canyon is OLD

Cece: How old? 

Really Really old.  Allow me to explain.  This is from the national park services website on the geology of the grand canyon.  Remember geology is the study of the earth.  

The story of the grand canyon begins almost two billion years ago!   That was when the igneous and metamorphic rocks of the inner gorge were formed. Above these super old rocks lie layer upon layer of sedimentary rock.  Each layer of rock tells a unique part of the environmental history of the Grand Canyon region.

Then, between 70 and 30 million years ago, through the action of plate tectonics, the whole region was uplifted, resulting in the high and relatively flat Colorado Plateau.

Cece: What is that mama? 

Plate tectonics is how things like continents move around.  Imagine the Earth's surface is like a big jigsaw puzzle with huge pieces called tectonic plates. These plates are floating on a hot, gooey layer called the mantle. Because the mantle is moving, the plates also move, sometimes crashing into each other, pulling away, or sliding past each other. This movement causes things like earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains.

Cece: Ohhhh 

But back to the grand canyon being super old.  Around 5-6 million years ago, the Colorado River began to carve its way downward. The colorado river ran over the rocks and eroded them, creating the grand canyon over time.  

Cece: What does that word mean? 

Here is a definition from Britannica kids!  Water, wind, and other natural forces cause rocks and earth to wear away. These forces also move bits of rock and earth to new places. This movement changes the shape of the land.  Think about if you’ve ever played with sand and you’ve poured water into the sand to create a stream, you notice the water moves the sand and creates a small canyon or crater because the water moves the sand from where it was originally.  

Cece: yea 

This process of erosion is why the grand canyon is so cool to look at.  Because the water has been eroding the land for millions of years we see all these layers of rock that we never would have otherwise seen.  The colorado river has revealed all the layers of earth over millions of years!  

Cece: Thats amazing 

So now that we know some of the basics of the grand canyon like its 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and up to 1 mile deep, we know its super super old, and in arizona.  We also know native americans lived in and around the canyon for thousands of years before european explorers discovered it, it became a national park in 1919, and it makes its own weather… lets learn more about some of the things that have happened there over the years.  

Cece: I’m ready hit me with it!  

Well before i give you more info, i’m actually going to see what our listeners already know!  Let’s do some grand canyon trivia!  

What is the animal that takes you up and down the grand canyon 

1. A horse 
2. A mule 
3. A donkey 

If you guessed B you’re right! Mules are known for being sure footed and because the canyon trails can be steep and long they are the perfect animals to carry visitors up and down the trails.  You can also hike on foot if you choose, but watch out for mule droppings!! 

What is the river that runs through the grand canyon? I hope you know this one, i’ve mentioned it a few times! 

1. The colorado river
2. The Rio grande 
3. Powell River 

If you said A that was a great guess.  The Colorado river still runs through the bottom of the grand canyon today! 

How many people a year come to visit the grand canyon 

1. 7.2 million a year 
2. 5.6 million a year 
3. 4.7 million a year 

As of 2023 about 4.7 million people come to visit the grand canyon per year.  

Cece: That is a big number! 

How many people fall into the canyon 

What european nationality were the first to see the grand canyon? 

1. English
2. Spanish
3. French

If you said B, great work! The Spanish explorers lead by Captain Garcia Lopez de Cardenas visited the canyon in 1540 with the help of Hopi guides.

The Paiute tribe calls the canyon Kaibab. What does this translate to?

1. Mountain Lying Down 
2. River of Rock 
3. Canyon of color 

If you said C, great guess! Kaibab translates to "mountain lying down" or "mountain turned upside down".

Mining used to happen at the grand canyon.  Can you guess what was mined from there? 

1. Gold
2. Copper
3. Uranium 

If you said C great guess! The Orphan Mine became one of the most productive uranium mines in the region, it was in operation from 1953-1969.

Nice work listeners! Those were some grand questions 

Lots of incredible things have happened in and around the grand canyon over the years, but I’ll tell you a favorite story of mine.  

In May of 1869 John Wesley Powell led an exploration of the grand canyon and the colorado river.  Powell was a geologist whose studied rocks in Colorado and Wyoming. He was interested in exploring the unknown canyon of the Colorado River. Remember in 1869 barely any exploration of the grand canyon had taken place.  The purpose of Powell’s 1869 expedition was to survey the geology, geography, and water resources for settling the region.  He was also meant to document the wildlife of the canyon.  But before Powell in 1869 there was a failed expedition led by an explorer named Joseph Ives in 1857 of the river.  

Cece: why mama? 

Well on the expedition with Ives the boat crashed and they tried to continue on foot but had to give up.  

Powell's expedition to explore the grand canyon was also challenging.  Powell had four boats specially made for the journey.  After an easy start the party lost one boat and all its supplies at Lodore Canyon in a rapid Powell named Disaster Falls. After 3 months of exploring their food supplies started to get low.  The colorado river has lots of rapids and the explorers struggled to overcome them.  But they continued on! On August 28, the canyon ended and the river became relatively quiet once again.

Cece: That sounds hard 

It was, but Powell wasn’t done! He led a second expedition on May 22, 1871 from Green River, Wyoming, entering the Grand Canyon at Lee’s Ferry on August 17, 1872.  His team were able to document 66 pages of flowers and collect almost 700 plant specimens during the expedition!  He ultimately wrote a book about his experiences mapping and exploring the grand canyon.  

Cece: Here’s a fun fact 

John Powell is still remembered through items named after him there is a Mount Powell in the Uinta Mountains and Lake Powell in southern Utah

The grand canyon is truly GRAND - there is so much to learn and see. 

Cece: What was your favorite fact? 

Can i share just one more factoid Cece? Its my favorite and i haven’t even gotten to tell our listeners about it yet. 

Cece: Sure mama 

There is a town at the bottom of the grand canyon called Supai. It is the capital of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, is the only place in the lower 48 states that can be accessed only by foot, mule, or helicopter. Because it has no reliable roads, the town must have all of its mail delivered by mule. How funny is that?! 

Cece: Thats incredible! 

I agree. But now, its sadly time to wrap up our episode on the Grand Canyon.  Don’t worry, we have more natural wonders coming your way soon!  But before we let you go… 

Cece: We wrote you a poem!  

In arizona this canyon lies grand 

A beautiful sight across the land 

Deep and long, old and unique 

Millions come each year to see 

Protected by a president, roosevelt did a good thing 

Making sure we can continue visiting and preserving 

Historic, scenic, and home to some

The grand canyon amazes all who visit and come 

Our sources for this week's episode were the national park service, PBS, history.com, encyclopedia britannica, the smithsonian, national geographic, and seven natural wonders.org 

Cece: Thanks for listening, see you next episode, don’t forget to subscribe!  

https://nationalparkexpress.com/12-important-people-of-the-grand-canyon/ 

https://www.grandcanyon.org/experience-grand-canyon 

https://sevennaturalwonders.org/ 

https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/physical-world/2019/deeper-understanding-grand-canyon 

https://www.history.com/articles/grand-canyon 

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/grca-geology.htm 

https://grandcanyonhistory.org/index.html 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/article/grand-canyon-national-park 

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/canyon-john-wesley-powells-first-expedition/