Cultures and Religions of the Himalayan Region

Timothy Symington
Glenbrook Middle School, Longmeadow, MA
Grade 7 Social Studies: World Geography

Mission Statement

Standards

Games/Activities

Resources on Climbing Everest

Five Themes

Pictures

Web Sites

Lessons

Mission Statement

I created this web site for the NEH 2004 Summer Institute as a way for teachers to introduce their students to the wonders of the Five Themes of Geography and the Himalayan region. Included on the site will be descriptions of the Five Themes of Geography, book and video resources, web resources, and descriptions of classroom games and lessons.

I have always been interested in the Himalayan region, particularly the climbing history of Mount Everest (known to the Tibetans as Sagarmatha, and as Chumulungma to the Nepalese). I heard first-hand accounts of the trials of climbers, and the amount of effort to reach the "roof of the world" has fascinated me. In the past, when I have started teaching about mountain ranges, I have used the Himalayan range to portray the formation of mountains and plate movements. My students are often mesmerized by the descriptions of the mountains themselves and their immense size. When they hear about the people who actually try to climb the highest peaks, they are completely amazed.

Using the Himalayan region, which I already know will interest the students from the start, to teach different aspects of geography is a goal I would like to develop. Hopefully other educators will find this site useful.

Contact Information: iluvjaco@hotmail.com