What an incredible day at Rocky Mountain National Park! On April 29, 2025, Crossing America went live from the breathtaking landscapes of Sprague Lake with Ranger Kelly and Ranger Sarah to explore the park’s fascinating wildlife, geology, and cultural history.Ranger Kelly guided us through the story of the resilient pika, the dramatic formation of the Rocky Mountains, and the rich cultural history of the Indigenous peoples who have lived in and around the Rockies for generations. Ranger Sarah joined us to share the park’s commitment to accessibility—ensuring that everyone can enjoy the wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park.

We also introduced an exciting Engineering Design Challenge: Can YOU design an Accessible Trail System that blends the rugged beauty of the park with inclusive features for visitors of all abilities? From thoughtful paths to creative signage, we’re inviting students everywhere to imagine what a welcoming and sustainable outdoor space could look like.
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🙌 A huge thank-you to all the students, teachers, and moderators who joined us live. If you missed it, don’t worry—the adventure isn’t over. Watch the replay now and be inspired by the beauty and brilliance of Rocky Mountain National Park.​

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?