Camp Activities: Mastering Mountains
"Mastering Mountains" gives kids a broad overview of life in a mountain ecosystem, including topics such as food webs, habitats, and weather and climate. It also highlights science process skills, such as recording and analyzing data and communicating results. These activities were designed as a sequence that weaves together PLUM LANDING media resources, such as animations, videos, and games, with outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Each day offers approximately three hours of programming, including time for free play, snacks, and bathroom breaks.
Day 1
Today you'll introduce your kids to PLUM LANDING and to a mountain ecosystem. Start out by having kids watch A Peek at the Peak, a short animated video about the different zones of a mountain. Then head outdoors for the related hands-on activity Habitat Sweet Habitat. Afterwards, complete the "Explore Some More" ideas listed at the end of Habitat Sweet Habitat or A Peek at the Peak. Continue to explore your world by completing several Plum's Photo Hunt missions to wrap up your day.
Day 2
Now that kids have been introduced to a mountain, play the mountain ecosystem games Rocky Mountain Roundup and Mountain Scramble. Use the "Conversation Starters" associated with each game to lead a discussion. Then, have kids watch Gabi Notices a Nest, followed by a discussion using the associated "Conversation Starters." Afterwards, head outdoors to complete one or more of the "Explore Some More" activities associated with the games and video.
Day 3
Watch Moose Mania, a short animated video about mountain habitats and have kids do the related activity, Pin the Moose on the Mountain. Continue exploring food webs with the "Explore Some More" ideas listed at the end of the Pin the Moose on the Mountain activity. If time permits when you return indoors, watch Bubble Wrap, and lead a discussion using the associated "Conversation Starters." Then, complete the "Explore Some More" activity.
Day 4
Today is all about collecting data in different habitats. Watch Hiking Wachusett, Hiking the Rockies, and Mountain Face-Off, videos about exploring two different mountain ecosystems. Have a discussion using the "Conversation Starters," then head outdoors to complete the associated "Explore Some More" ideas at the end of the videos. If you have cameras, use those for data collection too!
Day 5
Wrap up your unit by exploring mountains around the world and telling Plum all about YOUR world. Watch Clementine's Favorite Place in Nature, then head outside for a discussion using the associated "Conversation Starters" and complete the "Explore Some More" activity. When you return indoors, tune in to Earth to Blorb: Mountains! and watch as Plum tells her friends on Blorb all about mountain ecosystems. Have a discussion with the "Conversation Starters," and complete one of the related "Explore Some More" activities. End the day with a sharing session where kids read aloud their letters to Plum.
