How does the temperature change as you climb a mountain?
Description
Steve Backshall climbs Snowdon in North Wales. He emphasises the importance of respecting the environment and explains how temperature changes as you climb. He records height and temperature at regular intervals with an altimeter. Weather can change suddenly so it is important to take the right survival equipment. Nothing about a mountain is static. Even views change over time as forces act on mountains to shape and form them.
Classroom Ideas
Before watching the clip, students could make a list of all the equipment they might need if they were undertaking a mountain expedition in spring. Students could be given a fictional weather forecast for the Snowdonia area, which should be dry and relatively mild, and a modest-sized rucksack to limit their choices.
Students could also share their lists with the rest of the class, justifying their selections. As they watch the clip, students could compare their list with Steve鈥檚. Afterwards, they could review their lists and make amendments before presenting a final checklist for their expedition kit.
Alternatively, students could track the changing temperature outside their house for the course of a week, and present their findings in class in the form of a report.
Geography skills
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