Chapter 23: South Asia "Nepal"

Introduction

In this chapter students read about the countries of South Asia. Nepal sits on the border between India and China. The Himalaya mountain ranges are the dominant feature of this country. These mountains contain the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.

Lesson Description

In this lesson students will visit a PBS Online feature describing Mount Everest. Students will answer questions about historic expeditions on the mountain, the effects of high altitude on the body, and the history and culture of the Sherpas. Finally, they will create a journal containing at least five entries from their own "climb" of Mount Everest.

National Geography Standards:
Standard 4:The geographically informed person knows and understands the physical and human characteristics of places. Standard 15: The geographically informed person knows and understands how physical systems affect human systems.

Instructional Objectives

1. The student will be able to describe Mount Everest.
2. The student will be able to describe the effects of high altitude and extreme cold on the human body.
3. The Student will be able to explain the Sherpas' connection to Mount Everest.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. There is an increase in breathing, in blood flow, and in the ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
2. The Sherpas are an ethnic group who live in the high mountain region of the eastern Himalaya. They are known for their stamina and skill at high altitudes, which makes them the backbone of many climbing expeditions on Mount Everest.
3. George Mallory and his climbing partner died on the mountain. No one knows if they were on the way up or back down.
4. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to reach the summit.
5. Students' diary entries will vary.

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