Courage and Nature

Now that we've taken a look at why people act courageously, this week we'll focus in on how nature challenges us.  Students did an exceptional job today brainstorming ideas, everything from natural disasters to food allergies.  As we look at other ways nature presents us challenges, students will use their knowledge about why people act courageously to connect these themes together.

This morning we watched a 60 Minutes segment of rock climber Alex Honnold as he ascended a 2,000 ft. wall in Yosemite National Park.  Alex's claim to fame: he climbs without any ropes or safety equipment.  I was planning to pause the video to discuss the danger, but before I could even get to it, many kid's immediate reaction was, "That is so stupid." Proud.

After the video we discussed that sometimes nature is thrust upon us, and, we have to face it courageously.  Other times, we seek out nature for a challenge.  I climb with friends and it was definitely stressed that when we see somebody climbing, even something as small as a 10 foot surface, nobody holds back from yelling at them.  If you're not familiar with how it feels to be in a situation where you're high up on a rock, Alex's decisions seem dangerous and stupid.  When you know that feeling, his choices seem even dumber. 

Nonetheless, Alex is a great example of how nature can bring out courage that we may not have known we had in us.  The amount of gasps from the students during this segment were worth the time spent on it.  You feel like you're right there next to him in this extreme situation.  If you have 10 minutes, this one's highly recommended.  

As we examine text that confronts nature this week, we're specifically looking at cause and effect.  Anyway you can tie this in at home will strengthen the connection that much more (i.e. cause- you didn't help set the table, effect: you're doing the dishes).  Feel free to use that one and blame it on me. 

Deer's Leap: VT

Cathedral: NH

Brian lead roping.  Even this is too dangerous for me.