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Online Viewing Quiz
- Can you name the location for the Larson Family's snowshoeing adventure?
- It is believed that snowshoes have been used for ___________thousand years.
- Can you name the location where historians believe snowshoes were first used?
- True or false? In the past snowshoeing was used as a means for transportation, but today most snowshoeing is done for recreation.
- Can you explain why snowshoeing is one of the most environmentally friendly sports?
- True or False? Heavier people require larger snowshoes, while lighter people require smaller snowshoes?
- While snowshoeing, why does the first person on the trail, expend the most energy?
Answers
Show/Hide
- The Larson Family enjoyed their snowshoeing adventure at the Wilderness Lodge in Wattsburg, PA.
- 6,000 years
- Central Asia
- True
- Snowshoeing is environmentally friendly, because the snow actually cushions the trail to prevent erosion.
- True
- The first person on a trail has to lift his or her legs higher on every step to pack the snow down for those who follow.
Health, Safety and Physical Education
PA Academic Standards - 10.1.3 E
Although snowshoeing is a very safe, low impact, easy to learn sport, there are still some dangers associated with being outdoors in the wintertime. See if you can match the possible health hazard with the description of the condition. All of the items listed are potential dangers of snowshoeing outdoors.
- frost bite
- hypothermia
- dehydration
- sun burn
- The loss of fluid from the body.
- Overexposure of the skin to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
- A numbing of the skin due to excessive exposure to extreme cold.
- A chilling of the bodies internal or core temperature.
Answers
Show/Hide
- C
- D
- A
- B
Here are some tips on avoiding the conditions you just learned about:
- Always dress in layers-start with a base layer next to the skin, add an insulating mid-layer and top it off with a wind and water repellent outer layer.
- Remain well hydrated. Pack water to drink throughout your hike
- Use disposable heat packs in both boots and gloves.
- Pack along dry gloves and socks.
- Seek shelter should you become very chilled or disoriented.
- Wear protective sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen on all exposed skin.
Environment and Ecology
PA Academic Standards - 4.9.4 A
You probably are aware of the rules of your home (bed time, no television during dinner, homework before play, etc.) and the rules of your school (no running in the halls, raise your hand if you have a question, etc.) As a student, you are required to follow the rules. Adults also have rules or laws that they must follow (traffic laws, speed limits, etc.) And you probably know, that if someone chooses not to follow the rules then there is a consequence. Consequences could mean students may lose a privilege and adults may have to pay a fine. But did you know that there are laws and regulations for the environment? Yes, laws protect the environment; and people who choose to break those laws will face a punishment or a fine. See if you can identify local and state laws regarding the environment. Share your findings with your friends and family, you just might save them from paying a fine and you will be doing a small part in protecting the environment.
In addition to contacting your local state parks you might want to check out the following web sites:
www.nps.gov The National Park Service site offers links to individual park sites with lists of activities.
www.fs.fed.us The United States Forest Service offers the most extensive network of marked winter trails in the country.
Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
PA Academic Standards - 1.3.3D
Do you ever look at clouds and see animals or ships or faces? Do you ever watch an anthill with the ants scurrying around, and pretend it is a factory or city? You are using your imagination! Imagination is very important to poetry. Imagination is what makes poetry more than just words with rhythm. Imagination is what makes a poem touch your mind and feelings to bring enjoyment to you. Nature can be an inspiration for poetry. After going on a snowshoe hike, try to recall the objects in nature that you noticed. Using your imagination, complete the following sentences.
Here is an example: The snowflakes are like dancers.
An icicle is like__________________.
The snow is like___________________.
The winter sky is like_____________________.
The blowing wind is like__________________.
An evergreen tree covered in snow is like____________________.
Footprints left in the snow are like__________________.
Snowshoes are like______________________.
You just completed the first step in writing a metaphor. Look over your list, choose your favorite and add some details. You just created a poem! Now carefully look at what you have written. Did you describe what the object in nature is like? Did you divide your poem into lines so that it looks like a poem? Rewrite your poem and share it with family and friends.
Here's an example:
Snowflakes are tiny,
swirling dancers waiting
to dance upon your nose.
Arts and Humanities
PA Academic Standards - 9.1.3 B
Using the poem you created in the previous section, create a drawing of the object in nature that you described. Use a variety of materials such as pencil, paint or chalk to create a picture that represents your poem. Does your drawing support the metaphor you wrote in your poem? For example: Do your snowflakes look like tiny dancers? Share your drawing and poem with your family and friends and challenge them to create a nature poem and drawing for you!
Learn Even More About Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing web sites:
www.snowshoemag.com
an on-line magazine for snowshoeing enthusiasts.
www.wintertrails.org
the Winter Trails Day site offers schedules and more.
www.audubon.org
The National Audubon Society offers interpretive snowshoeing tours.
Resources Used
The Snowshoe Experience, by Claire Walter, copyright 2004, published by Storey Publishing.
The Snowshoe Handbook, by Len McDougall, copyright 2000, published by Buford Books.
Writing in Action, by Kim Mason, copyright 1997, published by Loyola Press.
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