Mountains Uncovered: Why Mountains Matter to Our World

Mountains are incredible teaching tools for kids, providing opportunities to explore geology, ecosystems, and environmental science. This International Mountain Day, let’s dive into why mountains matter, explore fun facts about their formation, and share classroom-friendly activities to help kids aged 6-12 appreciate these towering natural wonders.

Why Mountains Matter

Mountains are more than just impressive landscapes—they are critical to life on Earth. They:

• Host nearly 15% of the world’s population and 50% of Earth’s biodiversity hotspots.
• Serve as “water towers,” providing fresh water to billions of people.
• Influence global weather and climate patterns.

For young learners, understanding mountains helps build a foundation in earth sciences while connecting to real-world environmental issues like conservation and climate change.

Fun Facts About Mountain Formation

How Are Mountains Made?

Mountains form when tectonic plates collide, causing the Earth’s crust to crumple and fold. Some, like volcanoes, erupt from molten rock below the surface.

The Tallest Mountain?

Mount Everest rises over 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. However, Hawaii's Mauna Kea is technically taller if measured from its base on the ocean floor, standing over 10,000 meters (33,500 feet).

Mountains Keep Growing

The Himalayas are still growing at about 5 millimeters per year due to tectonic activity.

Ancient Peaks

South Africa’s Barberton Greenstone Belt is thought to be over 3.5 billion years old, one of the Earth’s oldest formations.

Classroom Activity: Mini-Mountain Builders

Help students learn about mountain formation with a hands-on activity:

What You’ll Need:

• Clay or playdough
• Small rocks or pebbles
• Water spray bottles

Instructions:

1. Have students create a model of a mountain by molding clay or playdough.
2. Use small rocks or pebbles to represent features like ridges or boulders.
3. Spray the “mountain” with water to simulate erosion. Discuss how wind and rain shape mountains over time.

This activity ties in concepts like erosion, plate tectonics, and the water cycle, making it ideal for earth science lessons.

Using Local Hills or Peaks as Learning Tools

Even if your classroom is far from major mountain ranges, local hills, ridges, or geological features can be great substitutes for hands-on exploration. Encourage students to:

• Create a Mountain Journal: Document observations of local terrain, plants, and weather.
• Research Famous Mountains: Assign a project where students pick a mountain to research and present its history, wildlife, and significance.
• Learn Navigation Basics: Teach students how to use a compass or map, with tools like the Magnetic Liquid Compass Kit from Wild Life Outdoor Adventures.

Inspire Curiosity and Care for Nature

Mountains teach us resilience, the importance of ecosystems, and the need for conservation. By integrating mountains into your lesson plans, you’ll inspire kids to appreciate the natural world and become advocates for its protection.

Looking for more educational tools? Wild Life Outdoor Adventures’ gear and guides are perfect for blending outdoor fun with learning!

How do you bring mountains into your classroom? Share your ideas in the comments to inspire other educators!