As I’ve previously shared, our ninth-graders finish up the year with a unit on Mount Everest. I’ve also previously described the writing prompts we often use (see Writing Prompts — Feel Free To Contribute Your Own! and Rwanda Lesson & Writing Prompt).

As part of our “final,” we’re going to have students read Mount Everest: the ethical dilemma facing climbers and respond to this prompt:

What do you think writer Jon Henley is suggesting should be a higher priority — helping people who need assistance or not letting that get in the way of achieving your goals? To what extent do you agree with what he is saying? To support your opinion, be sure to include specific examples drawn from your own experience, your observations of others, or any of your reading (including Henley’s article).

In addition, here are some more resources I’m adding to The Best Sites For Learning About Mount Everest:

Mount Everest Is Not Immune to Climate Change is from The Smithsonian.

Maxed Out on Everest is a slideshow from National Geographic.