Expedition Everest is an opportunity for students to learn not only about some of the unique plants and animals living in the Makalu-Barun National Park near Mount Everest in Nepal, but also about how scientists are studying the organisms to help save them. In addition, the site describes some of the people of that region and how they interact with their natural environment. The site consists of the following three areas:

• A simulation in which the students set virtual camera traps to capture unique images of animals
• A Field Guide with detailed information about animals and the eastern Himalayan region that will help students in their search
• Video clips of Expedition Everest scientists explaining how they find out about the animals in the wild
• Yeti Myth - an exploration of the mythical creature believed by some to inhabit the region (Download PDF)
• All About Camera Traps - a photo-essay explaining what camera traps are and how scientists use them (Download PDF)
  
  

About the Expedition which includes:

• Biographies about the scientists, including what they do and how they got to be a scientist
• Dr. Lucy Spelman’s Photo Journal, a day-by-day account of the expedition by one of Discovery Scientists
• A Scientist’s Method - A personal account which describes the process of conducting an animal survey with Dr. Jim Sanderson, one of the Conservation International expedition members. (Download PDF)

For Educators which includes:

• A Lesson Plan for using the Camera Trap activity with students
  

How to Use the Site

This web site can be used independently by students, or as part of a lesson.
A Lesson Plan is included that focuses on the Camera Trap Activity.

The Camera Trap Activity
One of the purposes of using digital media in science is to enable students to experience virtually those things that would be difficult to experience in real life due to time, funding, or safety constraints. The Camera Trap Activity enables students to try out one of the methods that real scientists use in conducting animal surveys. Students come away with the same tangible product that scientists do: images of the animals. The lesson plan encourages teachers to allow students to come together as a class following their experience and to compare data, just as real scientists do.


Additional Class Themes

Theme: The Scientist’s Journey
You may wish to direct students to particular parts of the site, such as Dr. Lucy Spelman’s journal, the scientist biographies, and A Scientist’s Method. Ask them to reflect on the challenges of working in a remote, awesome environment such as the Himalayas. What aspects of the journey seem most daunting or most rewarding? What would they need to do to prepare for such a trip? What are some of the goals wildlife experts and conservationists share?

Theme: Nepal Tapestry
Ask students to pay particular attention to descriptions of the region and the people, particularly the Sherpa. How is life in this part of the world different from ours? What pressures could cause changes in the Everest region? What role did Sherpa play on the Expedition? How is the Yeti Myth related to religious belief and cultural survival in Nepal?