Climate or weather?
Climate is the weather pattern over a long time. Weather is what’s happening at a particular time.
A FIELD GUIDE FOR CURIOUS MINDSBig mountains.
Big mountains.
Even bigger
discoveries.
Where will your group explore? Discover real mountain ranges, find facts, and make a brochure that helps hikers.
Choose your mountain 6 mountain ranges · Groups of 3–4
Real places.
Real photographs.
Real photographs.
1
Choose a rangeFind a place that interests you.
2
Read & discoverCollect facts in your own words.
3
Create & shareHelp hikers know before they go.
Six ranges. One amazing planet.
Turn the Earth to explore. Choose a range to find it, then open its research guide.
Loading the Earth…
Where will you explore?
Pins mark each guide’s focus mountain. Lines show approximate range locations. Turn the globe to see the other side of the planet. The Catskills are part of the wider Appalachian region.
FIRST STOP · YOUR RESEARCH
Pick your mountain range.
Tap a photograph to open its guide.
All the main facts are right here on the site.
Different mountains have different challenges. Your guide will help you find out what makes your range special.
YOUR GROUP’S MISSIONYou’re the guide
You’re the guide
at the Visitor’s Center.
Over the next few lessons, work in a group of 3–4 to teach hikers about a mountain range. Show what makes it an extreme environment and how hikers can prepare.
Your audience: hikers about to begin their mountain adventure.
Brochure / bookletPosterVideoSlide show
HIKERS WILL ASK…“What should I know
“What should I know
before I go?”
- Where are these mountains?
- What are the climate and weather like?
- What is the ground like?
- Which plants and animals live here?
- What are the challenges, and how can I prepare?
A LITTLE PRACTICE HELPS
Ready, researcher?
Try a quick activity, then use
what you learn in your brochure.
Pack for the trail.
What belongs in a hiker’s pack? Tap the useful items. A responsible adult helps plan every real hike.
Choose an item to find out why it matters.
Make your words vivid.
Help your reader picture the place. Choose precise words and accurate details.
Want to investigate more? Open the Science Lab
What changes as you climb?
0 feet70°F in this example
A simplified example, starting at 70°F at sea level and cooling about 3.5°F per 1,000 feet. Real temperatures and plant zones depend on the place, season, and weather. This is not a forecast.
Why is one side drier?
Moist air rises, cools, and drops rain or snow. Drier air comes down the other side. That can create a rain shadow.
Compare six famous peaks.
These are the focus peaks in our guides, not necessarily the highest peak in each range. Heights are rounded; Mont Blanc’s snow-covered summit changes.
SEE IT BEFORE YOU MAKE IT
Class example: Cascade RangeWhat does a tri-fold look like?
This example uses the Cascade Range, with a focus on Mount Rainier—not one of your six choices. Turn it over to see all six panels. Use the layout to create a brochure about your own range.
On a small screen, swipe sideways to see the whole sheet. Fold a blank sheet first to check your own panel order.
Check your brochure before you share it
Checkmarks save only in this browser on this device.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
The Writing Route
Today’s goal:
Write at least one vivid description.
Checkmarks save only in this browser on this device. Write your notes and draft in your classroom materials.