Junior KeepersWaterfall Anatomy

Let’s learn about waterfall anatomy!

Imagine waterfalls as nature’s amazing water playgrounds, each with its own unique “slide” and “pool.” Just like playgrounds have different types of designs and equipment, waterfalls come in all shapes and sizes. Learning the special names for each kind of waterfall and its parts is like learning the names of different dinosaurs—it helps us talk about them like experts!

Here are five examples:

A ribbon waterfall is very slim and very long.

A plunge waterfall is a single vertical fall of water, but not as skinny as a ribbon.

A cascade is a waterfall that rushes smoothly over several small ledges.

A segmented waterfall is one that splits into two or more parts or threads.

A slide waterfall is a low angle waterfall that glides slowly over smooth rocks.

Some other waterfall shapes have names like horsetail, fan, punchbowl, and veil. Can you guess what they look like from their names?

Knowing the names of different waterfall shapes helps us talk about all the fascinating types of waterfalls we see in nature. We can imagine how the land helped form each one. And we can also see how each type of waterfall changes the land around it.

So now we know that waterfalls can have different shapes, but every waterfall has some parts that are the same as other waterfalls.

Waterfalls are like water slides

The top is where you start. It’s usually a platform where you get ready and feel excited before you slide down.

The top or crest of the waterfall is where the river or stream flows over the edge. It’s the starting point of the waterfall.

The drop is the main part of the slide where you zoom down fast, sometimes twisting and turning. It’s super fun and thrilling!

The drop is where the water falls down from the top. It can be a straight fall, a cascade over rocks, or a series of steps. This is the most beautiful and powerful part of the waterfall!

At the end of the slide, you splash into a pool of water. It’s a refreshing finish to your ride!

At the bottom of the waterfall, the water lands in a pool. This pool can be deep or shallow, and it can be a calm place after the excitement of the drop.

We can see that a water slide and a waterfall are alike in many ways: they both have a starting point (the top), an exciting middle where you move fast (the drop), and a place where everything comes together at the end (the pool).

But a water slide is man-made for fun, while a waterfall is created by the power of water and nature. Unlike a water slide, a waterfall is not designed for people to slide down—its strong currents and natural formations make it unsafe for play!

Are you ready to accept the challenge and earn your badge now? Let’s go!

Waterfall Anatomy Challenge

Waterfall Explorer Scavenger Hunt

Get ready for an EPIC waterfall scavenger hunt! Before you go, make a checklist of cool waterfall terms from this lesson, like plunge, cascade, crest, and pool—or make up silly names like "Super Soaker Splash Zone!"

When you’re safely at the base of the waterfall, hunt for each feature and snap a photo, sketch it, or even act it out! (Can you pose like a “plunge” waterfall? 😆)

When you get home, create a Waterfall Explorer Scrapbook! Add your photos or drawings, write fun captions, and even glue in leaves or tiny pebbles you found nearby. Then send us a picture of your scrapbook so we can celebrate your awesome adventure!

Build-A-Waterfall Challenge!

Let’s bring your waterfall to life—but in mini-size!

Using the pictures from your scavenger hunt, create a 3D waterfall model using anything you can find: pebbles, cotton balls, paper, LEGOs, or even playdough! 🌊 You may want to use cotton balls for mist, blue fabric for water, and tiny twigs for trees. Don’t forget to name your waterfall (make it exciting, like “Roaring Rapids Ridge” or “Marshmallow Mist Falls”!) and add tiny flags with labels for each part of the waterfall! When you're done, show it off like a true scientist—snap a pic and share it with us!

Bonus Challenge: Can you make your waterfall “flow” using aluminum foil or running water?

The Great Waterfall Treasure Hunt!

Ahoy, brave explorer! Today, you’ve discovered a hidden waterfall that NO ONE has ever seen before!

Create an epic treasure map of the area, showing important spots like the thundering crest, the misty plunge, and the sparkling pool! Mark “treasure” locations where you find cool things like shiny rocks, twisted tree roots, or hidden caves. Now, invent a legend to go with your map—maybe the waterfall is protected by a mystical water dragon, or ancient explorers left clues about a hidden waterfall cave. When you’re done, seal the map with a muddy “pirate stamp” (your thumbprint!) and add it to your scrapbook in Challenge 1 above!

Bonus challenge: Act out your story with a friend or sibling! 🏴‍☠️💦

Waterfall Detective Mission!

Put on your detective hat—it’s time to crack the case of the Mysterious Waterfall! 🔎 Grab a notebook and use ALL your senses to investigate:

👀 Look: Find two things that are the same color (maybe green moss and a frog?).
👂 Listen: What two sounds do you hear that tell you you’re at a waterfall? (Is it a loud whoosh, a gentle drip-drip, or something else? Describe it!)
👃 Smell: Close your eyes—does the air smell fresh, earthy, or misty?
🤚 Feel: Hold out your hand—can you feel the cool mist or the rough bark of a nearby tree?
👅 Taste: If you packed a snack, take a bite and see if it fits the waterfall setting! Does a juicy orange remind you of splashes of water? Does crunchy granola feel like the rough rocks? If it’s safe, stick out your tongue—can you taste the mist in the air? (Just don’t drink from the waterfall!)

Now, write a “Waterfall Field Report” in your notebook, or record a detective voice memo with your findings to share with us!

Bonus Challenge: Now that you've cracked the case of your own waterfall, take your detective skills to the next level! 🔍 Research some other waterfall shapes (like chute, block, or veil waterfalls) and find out what makes each one special. Then, pretend you're a famous nature reporter and film a short video or create a fun sketch in your notebook explaining your discoveries. What’s the most fascinating waterfall fact you found? Share your report with us! 🎥🌊

Be the Waterfall – Your Own Way!

Here’s a special challenge activity for our friends whose physical or other abilities may differ:

No matter how you move, speak, or express yourself, you can bring a waterfall to life in your own special way!

🎤 SOUND: Can you make the noise of a tiny trickling stream? A powerful rushing waterfall? A big splash? Use your voice, clap your hands, tap a drum, or shake a water bottle to create waterfall sounds!
🖐 MOVEMENT: Use your hands, arms, head, or even just your fingers to show how water flows! Can you swirl like a gentle stream, wave like splashing water, or move side to side like a rushing current? If movement is difficult, guide someone else or describe how you’d like them to move.
💡 EXTRA FUN: Close your eyes and imagine being inside a waterfall. What does it sound like? How does the mist feel on your skin? Can you hum a tune that reminds you of falling water?
🎥 SHARE & SMILE: If you’d like, record your “waterfall performance” and watch it later with family or friends. Every waterfall is unique—just like you! 🌟💦

GET YOUR BADGE!

Ready to submit your photos, coloring sheets or voice recording to earn your badge?

Complete the Badge Challenge Submission form and upload them as scans, screenshots or attachments.