1. Niagara Falls Something amazing in our own backyard!

2. Thomas Edison vs. Nikola Tesla

5. Some basic info…  The falls are on the border between the U.S. and Canada.  The American and Bridal Veil falls are on the U.S. side, and the Horseshoe fall is on the Canadian side.  Water from the falls flows northward into the Niagara River.  The rocks around the falls are constantly being eroded, or worn away. Some day, they will disappear! Q: First, who has been to the Falls?

6. American Bridal Veil Horseshoe

7. History of the Falls…  Early European explorers first set eyes on the Falls in the 1600s.  They have been an inspiration to artists and authors since the 1800s.

8.  In 1885, Niagara Falls became part of the nation’s first state park. The government wanted to preserve the area. Q: Why do you think it’s important to preserve natural features like the Falls?  Over the past 150 years, a number of daredevils have tried to cross the Falls or jump into them. They hoped to become famous.  Some of these risk-takers crossed the Falls on tightropes, while others plunged into the water in barrels. Q: Does anyone know when the last daredevil crossed the Falls?

9. Jean Gravelet, 1859  He was the first to cross the Falls on a tightrope.  He sometimes carried his manager on his back!  These performers drew huge crowds.

10. Maria Spelterini, 1876  She is the only woman to cross the Falls. She did it four times.  She wore peach baskets on her feet, was blindfolded, and had her hands and ankles tied!

11. Bobby Leach, 1911  He went over the falls in this metal barrel.  Bobby survived, but some were not so lucky.

12. Now, a short video!

13. Why are the Falls important to WNY today? Reason #1

14. Power  The energy from the Falls provides cheap electricity to New Yorkers and Canadians.

15. Reason #2

16. Tourism  About 12 million people visit Niagara Falls each year. That’s a lot of cash! (And jobs!)

17. Reason #3

18. Environment  The Niagara River system supports many rare and endangered species of plants and animals.

19. Niagara Falls is a beautiful and important resource…be proud of your region!

20. Group Activity…