Avalanches
Objective: This worksheet aims to educate students about avalanches, including their causes, dangers, and prevention methods, while also enhancing their reading comprehension and vocabulary related to the topic.
Content and methods: The worksheet introduces the topic of avalanches through a simulated social media feed, prompting students to reflect on a personal experience. It then provides an informational text about avalanche danger in a mountain region, including historical incidents. Comprehension is tested through multiple-choice questions. Further, the worksheet explains how human activities can cause avalanches and outlines various prevention and protective measures. True/false questions assess understanding of these concepts. Finally, a word puzzle reinforces vocabulary related to avalanches.
Competencies:
- Reading comprehension
- Critical thinking and analysis (e.g., understanding causes and effects of avalanches)
- Vocabulary acquisition
- Awareness of natural hazards and safety measures
Target group: 5th-7th grade
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Target group and level
5th-7th grade
Subjects
Avalanches
Amina @AminaSnowboard
Day 2 on the slopes and I’m having a blast! The Swiss Alps are even more beautiful than I imagined! 🏔️🏂 #SnowboardDream #AlpsMagic
Amina @AminaSnowboard
Tried a new trick today and totally nailed it! Feeling unstoppable! 😎❄️ #SnowboardingSkills #AlpsAdventure
Amina @AminaSnowboard
The hot chocolate here is the best! Perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes! ☕️🏂 #WinterTreats #AlpsLove
Amina @AminaSnowboard
Oh my gosh, an avalanche just happened nearby! So scary but we’re all okay. 😧❄️ #AvalancheAlert #StaySafe
Amina @AminaSnowboard
Still can't believe the avalanche! Super thankful we’re safe. Hugs to everyone! 😰❤️ #SafeAndSound #AlpsSafety
Avalanche danger
Find out more about a region that often has avalanche danger, and answer the related questions on the next page.
Swiss Alps
Source: Devil Dancer, CC BY 3.0
The Swiss Alps are a stunning mountain range in Switzerland, known for their towering peaks and beautiful landscapes. These mountains are part of the larger Alps range that stretches across Europe. People visit the Swiss Alps for skiing, hiking, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Avalanches are a natural hazard in the Swiss Alps, especially during the winter. An avalanche happens when a large mass of snow suddenly falls down a mountain. This can be very dangerous for people who are skiing or living in the area. Avalanches are more common after heavy snowstorms or when the snow starts to melt.
There have been several tragic avalanche accidents in the Swiss Alps. For example, in 1999, an avalanche in the village of Evolène killed 12 people. Another tragic event occurred in 2019 when an avalanche near the ski resort of Crans-Montana buried several skiers, resulting in one death. These incidents remind us of the power of nature and the importance of safety measures.
Despite these dangers, the Swiss Alps remain a popular destination. The beauty of the mountains and the thrill of winter sports attract visitors from all over the world. The Swiss Alps are not only a place of adventure but also a reminder of the incredible forces of nature.
Choose the correct answer for every question.
Avalanches: How People Can Cause and Prevent Them
Avalanches are large masses of snow that suddenly slide down a mountain, taking everything in their path with them. But did you know that people can sometimes unintentionally contribute to the formation of avalanches?
How People Cause Avalanches
- Skiing and Snowboarding: When many people ski on freshly fallen snow, it can destabilize the snow and trigger an avalanche.
- Hiking and Tours Off the Slopes: Hikers who venture off marked trails can also shift the snow in a way that triggers an avalanche.
How to Prevent Avalanches
- Stay on Marked Trails: By sticking to designated slopes or hiking trails, the risk of triggering an avalanche is much lower.
- Pay Attention to Avalanche Warnings: There are specific warnings that indicate the level of avalanche danger. These warnings should be taken seriously and followed.
- Carry Avalanche Equipment: Anyone traveling in the mountains should always carry avalanche equipment, which includes an avalanche transceiver, a probe, and a shovel.
Protective Measures Against Avalanches
- Avalanche Barriers: These are special structures built in the mountains to stop or divert avalanches.
- Snow Barriers: These barriers are installed on slopes to stabilize the snow and prevent it from sliding.
- Controlled Explosions: Sometimes avalanches are intentionally triggered through controlled explosions to ensure the snow slides in a controlled manner.
By being mindful of our behavior and taking the appropriate measures, we can help prevent avalanches and protect ourselves and others.
For each sentence, choose if it's true or false.
Avalanches word puzzle
Find 10 words related to the topic "avalanches".