​Crossing America is heading to Rocky Mountain National Park! On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 1 pm ET, join us for a special LiveStream with Ranger Haley and Friends as we dive into the breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history of this iconic park! 🎥✨

Get ready to explore the unique wildlife and ecosystems that thrive at high elevations, especially the resilient pikas, small but mighty creatures that survive the harsh alpine environment. We’ll also take a journey through the geological history of the Rocky Mountains, learning how they were formed millions of years ago. Along the way, Ranger Haley will share insights into the cultural history of the region, including the Indigenous peoples who lived in and around the Rockies for generations.

We’ll also discuss the park’s efforts to ensure accessibility for all visitors, providing everyone with the opportunity to experience its natural beauty. And, of course, we can’t forget the diverse wildlife that calls this park home, from elk to bighorn sheep to black bears!

📚 We’ll also introduce an exciting Engineering Design Challenge: Can you design an Accessible Trail System that reflects the beauty and ruggedness of Rocky Mountain National Park but ensures that visitors of all abilities can enjoy it? Your challenge is to create a model trail system that includes paths, signage, and features to accommodate different physical needs. Think about how the terrain can be made accessible without disrupting the environment, and how your design can enhance the visitor experience. Let’s see how you can use design and engineering to create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space!

We can’t wait to see YOU there for this exciting virtual adventure into one of America's most beloved national parks--Rocky Mountain National Park!

You can register for this LiveStream below.

Register Here!

CLICK BELOW FOR THE ENGINEERING
​DESIGN CHALLENGE!

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The Formation of the Rocky Mountains: Geology and Plate Tectonics
Objective: Help students understand how the Rocky Mountains were formed through geological processes and the movement of tectonic plates.
Activity:

• Show students images and diagrams of the Rocky Mountains and explain the concept of plate tectonics.
• Provide data on the age of the Rocky Mountains and how they were shaped by uplift and erosion.
• Have students create models of the tectonic plates involved in the formation of the Rockies, using clay or paper to simulate mountain-building processes.

Discussion: How did the Rocky Mountains form? What makes their geological history unique? How do the forces that formed the Rockies continue to shape the landscape today?​

Pikas: Adaptations in a Harsh Alpine Environment
Objective: Teach students about the adaptations of pikas, small mammals that live in the high alpine regions of the Rocky Mountains. 
Activity:

• Show students images and videos of pikas in their natural habitat, explaining the challenges they face due to extreme weather and elevation.
• Provide data on the pika’s food sources, behavior, and environmental adaptations.
• Have students create a survival guide for pikas, highlighting the adaptations that allow them to thrive in such a harsh environment. 

Discussion: How have pikas adapted to survive in the high elevations of the Rockies? What challenges do they face due to climate change? How do their adaptations provide insights into the broader alpine ecosystem?

Cultural History of the Rocky Mountains: Indigenous Peoples and Early Explorers
Objective: Explore the cultural history of the Indigenous peoples who lived in the Rocky Mountains, as well as the early explorers who traversed the region. 
Activity:

• Share stories, artifacts, and historical information about the Indigenous peoples of the Rocky Mountains, such as the Ute and Arapaho nations.
• Provide data on how Indigenous communities used the land, including hunting practices, seasonal migrations, and spiritual connections to the mountains.
• Have students create a timeline showing the major events in the cultural history of the Rockies, from Indigenous habitation to early exploration by Europeans. 

Discussion: How did Indigenous peoples interact with the land in the Rocky Mountains? What impact did early explorers have on the region? How can we honor the cultural history of the Rockies while protecting the environment?

Wildlife of the Rocky Mountains: Ecosystem Interactions
Objective: Explore the diverse wildlife of the Rocky Mountains and the important role each species plays in the ecosystem. 
Activity:

• Show students images of key species found in the Rockies, such as elk, black bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
• Provide data on the food web in the Rockies, showing how different species interact and depend on one another for survival.
• Have students create an ecosystem web that illustrates the relationships between predators, prey, and plants in the Rocky Mountains. 

Discussion: How do the different species in the Rocky Mountains interact to create a balanced ecosystem? What role do keystone species play in maintaining the health of the ecosystem? How does human activity affect wildlife in the park?