Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Preparation Bag”

In this activity, students analyze what Peak needed to climb Mount Everest—including personal traits as well as equipment—and then pack a bag of representative objects that they will need in pursuit of a life goal.

Part A: Having the appropriate gear to climb Mount Everest is essential to survival in the harsh climate. What made Peak’s climb possible?

• Create a t-chart on paper. Label the left column “Items Needed” and the right column “Personality Traits Needed.”
• Consider the items or equipment Peak needed to make his journey to the top of Mount Everest. Also consider the personality traits that assisted Peak in his climb.
• List as many items and traits as you can in each column.

Part B: Apply Peak’s story to your own life.

• Describe how Peak’s climb up the mountain is a metaphor for his coming-of-age journey and development.
• Think of a goal in the future that you would like to accomplish.
• Pack a bag with items you will need to complete your journey. The items in your bag may be literal, such as a college diploma, or they may be symbolic, such as running shoes to symbolize endurance.