Pats Peak NH Ski Resort

This is an exciting new adventure for PATS PEAK. This is a hands on interactive field trip for students, which includes, data collection, graphing and outside physical activity.

The first lesson involves an opportunity to experience science and math in a real life setting, group data collection and a tour of our snowmaking facility. Teachers who are working on data collections and graphing can use this trip to enhance student's knowledge.

The second lesson will introduce the students to a healthy lifestyle of winter activity snowtubing in our Snowtubing Park.

The third lesson will be completed back at school calculating the findings and writing the final report.

Content:

Students will be looking at the rate the lift carries skiers up the hill, what area operators call their lift capacity. Data collection will be taken at two to three different lift locations. Rate of speed will be determined due to a variety of reasons including a cold, windy day vs. a sunny quiet one. This lesson will enable the students to use math skills to determine the rate of speed for themselves.

Students will be divided into groups. A role will be assigned to each member of the group and make sure each member understands his/her responsibility. Each group should have three members.

Time Keeper: This student will have the responsibility for keeping time that is required for the data collection. The Time Keeper will have a stopwatch for this activity.
Seat Counter: This student will have the responsibility for counting the chairs or bars as they pass a pre-determined location on the lift line.
Data Recorder: This student will have the responsibility of recording the data in a clearly written manner on the data table provided.

Back at School:

The students will calculate the final averages of their findings; this will be used as a basis for a report. They can base the report on either the Final Hourly Rate or the Final Daily Rate.
Final Report: Write a 3 - paragraph letter to PATS PEAK Ski Area informing them of the results.

Operation Snowflake:

The Science Lesson: PATS PEAK possesses one of the most powerful snowmaking systems in all of New England. Students will learn about “Snow White” PATS PEAK snowmaking facility. They will be given a tour and an overview of how snow is made.

Snowtubing Park:

The students will enjoy outside recreation, snowtubing in the park promoting physical activity.

Special Needs Students:

Students with learning disabilities should adapt well to this program they may need assistance in determine the data.

Students with physical disabilities will need no modification as the data is collected within sight of the base of the mountain or, if necessary they may act as a record keeper for their group.

What Students Are Saying About the Program:

"I'm a 5th grade student at Henniker Community School. I piloted the program on the turbulence triple chair. I thought it was spectacular! I suggest you host this activity again."

"My name is Keith, I snowboard a lot at Pats Peak and I've always been curious how the snow is made. Every once in a while I'll be on a chairlift and a snow gun will be on and I wonder how the snow is being made. I learned all of my questions at the snowmaking station."

"I really enjoyed learning about Snow White's history and I had a blast tubing. I can’t wait to do it again next year!"