INTRODUCTION:
For centuries, man has been trying to conquer the heights. The highest
and the most challenging of these, the Himalayas, provides a daunting
challenge to those bold enough to try. Many who have tried, have
failed; some have lost their lifes. Many have succeeded!
A competent guide on a mountain trek needs to understand the relationships
between altitude, temperature, and air pressure as they are critical
to survival. Also, he/she will need to learn about and be aware
of other dangers and survival skills. What motivates the climber
to personally take on this dangerous challenge and what characteristics
contribute to a successful climb?
THE TASK:
You have been assigned as a guide for this expedition. You will
be instructing four, experienced climbers on how to reach the summit
. By the end of this exercise, you will complete these tasks you
will have produced a PowerPoint presentation that you will use to
guide and educate your group. It will include maps, training, equipment,
weather and altitude conditions.
Questions you will need to consider:
What is the elevation of the highest mountain peak?
What is the air pressure.at the bottom? the middle? the top?
How does air pressure affect the body? What do climbers have to
do to overcome the ill effects?
What types of food would you need to eat for this strenuous task?
Proper clothing is essential. What kind of materials and fibers
keep you the warmest?
How many people in the past five years have survived? Reached the
top?
What causes avalanches?
INTERNET RESOURCES:
Use the following resources to help you formulate your survival
course:
Mountainzone
- expeditions to Mt Everest
NASA images
of Everest
PBS- NOVA
Online - Everest
Yahoo Links
THE PROCESS:
You will be working in groups of three, and each group will design
its' own Power Point presentation
CONCLUSION:
Within the time set you should have enough information in your
Powerpoint presentation to enable your clients to be ready for the
expedition.
Source:
Climb-It!
A Webquest. Created by Mary Ann Montgomery and Amme Krutulis
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