Rock Climbing

Class Description:

Students will have the opportunity to experience climbing at either the Mystical Mountain (Science Center; 29'6") or the Taylor's Falls (Education Building; 29') indoor rock climbing walls. After an introductory discussion about some of the thoughts and emotions that climbing can evoke, students will learn about the equipment, techniques, and commands used by climbers and belayers. Instructors will demonstrate proper belaying techniques; students will then practice these new skills. Following a brief instructor led demonstration climb, the student climbing session will begin. During the conclusion portion of class, the instructor will facilitate a discussion during which students will hopefully relate their climbing wall experiences to aspects of their everyday lives.

NOTE: In order to use all 6 ropes, 3 adult monitors must be present. This does not include the instructor.

Total time: 3 hours (indoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: moderate-strenuous
Staff requirement: 1 Wolf Ridge trained instructor; 3 adult monitors ( 1 per every two ropes in use).

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Rock Climbing class students will be able to:

Recognize and accept some personal strengths and abilities.

Encourage and help others.

Accept and challenge some of their fears.

List personal qualities which contributed to their successes, as well as the successes of others.

Experience individual and group trust.

Discuss some of their emotions.

Apply their climbing wall experiences to their everyday lives.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Rock Climbing class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Task Management Skills addressed:
• Keeps trying
• Generates goals and plans for achieving
• Follows class rules
• Follows safety rules
• Uses equipment responsibly
• Demonstrates respect for others

Profile of Learning Element 8: Applying informed decision-making process to promote personal growth and the well-being of society.

Physical Education Standard 8.11.1. Applies informed decision-making process to select appropriate physical activities to achieve personal fitness. (Procedural:) Applies the following cooperative and competitive behaviors in physical activities: demonstrates safety for self and others, encourages best effort in self and others, follows rules, shows respect for self and others, handles success and disappointment appropriately.

Physical Education Standard 8.G8.3 & 8.G5.2. Understands and participates in physical activities that develop motor skills and physical fitness. (Procedural): Displays proper etiquette and team building skills in dual and group activities, and physical education activities.

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• Learning to deal with the positive and negative aspects of emotions builds self esteem and confidence.
• Courage, trustworthiness and initiative are desirable personal qualities.
• Problem solving, decision making and risk assessment are skills which empower us to reach our goals.
• A positive attitude improves the chances for success.
• Challenges provide opportunities for learning and growth.
• Challenging perceived limits and reviewing goals improves our responses to future life situations.
• Understanding and respecting others enables us to work together effectively as a community.
  

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Rock Climbing information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password