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Manatee High SchoolAPPALACHIAN TRAIL QUEST |
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Phone: (941) 714-7300 Fax: (941) 741-3443
by Kathy Cole Welch Physical Education Teacher Manatee High School Bradenton, Florida |
Introduction
Task Resources Process Evaluation Conclusion |
CONTACT: Boots Hodges 714-7300 x2199 P.E. Course Descriptions P.E. Class Requirements Benefits of Phys. Ed. A-Z Guide to Sports Careers Appalachian Trail Quest Raise the Flag State Team Champs P.E. Home |
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Introduction
You and your partner will be learning a brief overview of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the considerations necessary to thru-hike the complete trail. You will be assigned one section of the trail that you will be preparing to hike. It is your goal to create a portfolio of your trip which will include the tasks listed below. All eleven sections of the AT will be presented so that the class can "hike" the whole trail. Once the presentation of all the portfolios have been given, the class will utilize a survey with an open debate and discussion in order to decide which section of the AT is A) most beautiful B) most strenuous C) most challenging/exciting D) worst weather conditions E) shortest to hike F) longest to hike and G) favorite section to hike.The Task
A. Write an overview of the complete Appalachian Trail.B. Make a map and a description of your section of the AT.
1. Highlight one key area or high point of the trip.
2. Approximate how long it will take to hike.
3. Designate possible campsites along the way.
C. Analyze and make a checklist of backpacking gear and essentials (first aid, food, clothing, tent, boots, backpack, etc.). Be specific: you must justify your choices.
D. Include in your portfolio: backpacking etiquette, tips, LNT principles, and pros and cons of hiking the AT.
E. List some considerations necessary if you were to complete a thru-hike of the AT.
F. Relate the experiences of at least 3 thru-hikers (photos would be nice here).
G. Present your portfolio to the class.
H. Complete the class survey (possible 5 point bonus).
Resources
(don't forget to make sure that the information you use is specific to the Appalachian Trail)Information, maps, and photos of the AT.
Backpacker magazine
Trail Place: AT thru-hikers
Hike-USA (specify AT)
The Webhiker
General information on all adventures
AT Photo Journal
Backpacking gear
Hike Net (specify AT)
The Process
1. Choose a partner that you'd like to "hike" with. Decide what your 'hiking names' will be.2. You may choose the section of the AT that you'd like to hike. However, if more than one group chooses the same section, then the teacher will help designate which section you will "hike".
3. Look into the resources available and prepare your portfolio. You may divide the tasks between you and your partner but, both must present the portfolio together. Both students will receive the same grade.
4. You can use whatever media is available to present your program (Hyper Studio/Power Point).
5. Pictures, maps, charts, diagrams, etc. will enhance your portfolio.
6. Double check the task list above to verify that all of your assignments have been completed.
7. Have fun "hiking" the AT!!
Evaluation
You will be evaluated on each task of your portfolio. See the Rubric You may receive up to five bonus points for completing the AT Quest Survey.Conclusion
Once you have completed your Appalachian Trail Quest, you will have a greater knowledge and understanding of the preparation necessary to undertake such an adventure. Also, you will be exposed to the recreational advantages of hiking in 'natures playground', and you will have met a variety of interesting people along the way. Finally, by participating in this trail quest, you will be able to take a real hike someday.You may decide to attempt a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail or you may decide to hike the AT like Bunny Schneider. Bunny Schneider is a retired teacher from Manatee High School in Bradenton, Florida who hikes with a group of ladies (can you guess their 'trail name'). Each summer this group of women hikes a section of the Appalachian Trail. (Go Girls Go!!).
Whether or not you decide to hike the Appalachian Trail, I hope that you will be inspired to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
A special thank-you to fellow teacher, Ann Marie Jessup, for helping me with this web quest.