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The crisp air of an early, frosty morning is disturbed with the sound of the crunch of boots, or the swishing sounds of a skier on cross country skis. The white snow is pristine, and most of nature is asleep under its blanket. The barren trees only ornament may be icicles dangling from empty branches. A low rumbling causes your feet to pause, or the skier to stop and listen. A sound is barely discernable by ear, and a feeling comes over you as you realize something is coming, massive and scary. The threat of danger begins to get your adrenaline pumping. Then, the sight of a wall of white cascading, and billowing down the mountain spurs action. You realize it is an avalanche.
There are lots of ways a study of avalanches could be incorporated into the classroom curriculum. Students might be interested in identifying areas with the potential for avalanches, and doing research to find out why these areas are prone to this type of event. In addition, teachers can conduct experiments with their students that show what happens during an avalanche, and other types of natural disasters.
Avalanches are triggered by both human and natural causes. Found mostly on mountains, avalanches combine air, water and snow with sometimes deadly consequences. Avalanches are one of the greatest dangers for skiers, hikers and climbers during the winter months. They are classified by their destructive potential, or mass of downward flowing snow. There are up to seven categories, depending on the observation system or forecast region.
Avalanches are primarily caused by external stress on the snow pack. Natural events, such as precipitation, rock fall, ice fall or any other possible sudden impact can spark a release. However, the constant intensification of pressure, and temperature and humidity within the snow pack can be enough of a trigger. Humans have even caused avalanches accidently by using a snowmobile in an unstable area.
The American Avalanche Service with the Forest Service National Avalanche Center offer courses on avalanche education. Avalanche centers are located in key mountain regions. There are five signs to help establish whether you are in a dangerous zone: recent avalanche occurrence, signs of unstable snow as you travel, heavy snowfall or rain in the past 24 hours, wind blown snow, and rapidly increasing temperatures. What follows are some avalanche lesson plans that can motivate your students to learn about this fascinating natural phenomena.
Lesson Plans on Avalanches:
Avalanche: In this lesson students investigate unbalanced forces. In conjunction with the lesson, children will get to study John Muir. Students test the flow of different substances.
Dealing with Disasters: Students study potential natural hazards. This requires the film, “Forces of Nature.” Children also put together procedures for safety.
I’m Melting: In this lesson students estimate the time it takes for an ice cube to melt completely. Children make estimates and compare actual data collected.
Discussion Question:
Have you discussed natural disasters with your students after the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and the possibility of a tsunami?
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