Lesson Plan 4: Field Trip - Memorable Mount Monadnock

Plan a day trip to visit the mountain that inspired Thayer's ideas of camouflage, a group hike on Mt. Monadnock...
...using Field Trip links at left for maps and trails. Take notes and/or make sketches. Study the observations written long ago by Henry David Thoreau, observe nature as if through the eyes of Thayer and Thoreau, and compare your own original observations.  

Plan for plenty of water, food, warm clothing, and safety precautions! Snow and freezing rain can arrive suddenly without warning at high altitudes - even in October or April - be prepared for any emergency.

1. Background -

Read the description of hiking on Monadnock by Henry David Thoreau in, Journal: Thoreau on Monadnock, 1860, in the compendium, Where the Mountain Stands Alone, Stories of Place in the Monadnock Region edited by Howard Mansfield (pages 73-88). Read also on page 89, Following Thoreau, by J. Parker Huber.

Before your trip, discuss and write the details with your group:
  • DATE - when is the safe season and time of day to climb,
  • WEATHER - what to wear, anticipate lower temperatures and high winds near the top,
  • WATER - what to bring for food, including plenty of water, and
  • NOTES - review and write your plan with your group. 
Optional: collaborate on a facebook event page.
    2. When you go -

    Take a sketchbook, a journal, and/or a camera. 

    In the sketchbook, make at least 7 quick sketches of trees, rocks, trails and views.

    In the journal, write your observations of plants, trees, birds and other animals, sounds, views, changing light and shadows, weather conditions, encounters with other hikers, what you brought for refreshments, and what you wore.

    Take photos of details and views of your hike.

    Have a great hike!

    3. When you return -

    1. Write one page story about your experience. Mention what you observed and what you would like to observe another time.

    2. Post your sketches and/or photos on a wall of the classroom, or online, for group discussion.

    3. Write a comment about your hike in 10 to 30 words in the comment box below, and sign your name.

    Optional: Post comments and photos on a facebook event page.

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