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Connecting Curriculum to the Canadian Rockies The Peaks of the Canadian Rockies provide numerous starting points from which students can connect to curriculum objectives. A few, grouped by subject areas, are listed below. Entering the mountain name in the search box on the main page will lead to details and references. **Dave is available to give presentations to groups of teachers (conventions, professional development days, etc.) regarding "Connecting Curriculum to the Canadian Rockies." Language Arts (poetry) EON MOUNTAIN -Jon Whyte's poem, "The Agony of Mrs. Stone," tells of the first ascent of this peak after which Dr. Stone fell to his death and Mrs. Stone spent eight days on the mountain before she was rescued. MIST MOUNTAIN -High River resident Don King completed the first ascent of this mountain in 1946. Later he wrote, "On Misty Mountain." THE FINGER -The classic poem, "David" by Earle Birney is set on this peak in the Sawback Range, just west of Banff Townsite. CROWSNEST MOUNTAIN -"The Ballad of the Upside-Down Mountain" by geologist Al Bradley provides insight into the tectonic history of the Front Ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Language Arts (prose) MOUNT LADY MACDONALD -Sir John A's wife wrote a wonderful account of her trip through the Rockies on the cowcatcher of a locomotive as she and her husband travelled through the Rockies in 1886. YAMNUSKA (MOUNT LAURIE) -Ben Gadd's highly regarded novel, "Raven's End," was published in 2001. It follows the lives of a group of ravens that reside on Yamnuska. One of the ravens, Colin, ventures off and travels through the Rockies searching for the mythical "Mountain of Feathers." Ben weaves his extensive knowledge of the Rockies into this wonderful tale. PATTERSON'S PEAK -Raymond Patterson inspirational writing about his adventures in the mountains and on the rivers of western Canada is well known. The story of his solo attempt to climb the peak now named in his honour is told in one of his five books. Social Studies (history) MOUNT BAZALGETTE -This peak near Jasper National Park is named after the only Albertan to be awarded the Victoria Cross During World War II. His story should be told to all young Albertans. MOUNT CORNWELL -Located west of High River, this mountain honours Jack Cornwell, a fifteen year old sailor with the Royal Navy during World War I. He was the youngest person ever awarded the Victoria Cross. THUNDER MOUNTAIN -This peak in the Oldman Valley of southern Alberta was the first ascent of a peak in the Canadian Rockies. It was climbed in 1792 by Peter Fidler, the first non-native to travel through present-day southern Alberta and visit the Canadian Rockies. MOUNT RAE -The highest peak visible from the Calgary area honours an outstanding arctic explorer. John Rae was the first European to live off the land in the far north. He was the first to determine the fate of the Franklin Expedition and filled in the final link in the northwest passage. SIMON PEAK -Located at the head of the Fraser River, this peak honours Simon Fraser, the first explorer to travel across Canada and reach the Pacific Ocean. MOUNT DAVID -David Thompson's efforts to locate and traverse passes in the Canadian Rockies led to the development of the fur trade in the early 1800's. The history of Howse Pass and Athabasca Pass is detailed in the "Passes of the Canadian Rockies" section of Peakfinder. MOUNT HECTOR -James Hector was the first scientist to explore the Rockies with the goal of returning with an understanding of the geography and geology. MOUNT KERR, MOUNT CORNWELL, MOUNT BISHOP, MOUNT STRACHAN, MOUNT BAZALGETTE, MOUNT DE WIND, MOUNT HARVEY, MOUNT KERR, MOUNT KINROSS, MOUNT MCKEAN, MOUNT O'ROURKE, MOUNT PATTISON, MOUNT SCRIMGER, MOUNT STRACHAN, AND MOUNT ZENGEL -These fifteen peaks are all named after servicemen who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their valour under fire. Social Studies (geography) MOUNT COLUMBIA, SNOW DOME, AND THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELD -As the "hydrographic apex" of the continent, waters from this icefield flow into three oceans. The discovery of the icefield by J. Norman Collie is an exciting story in the history of the Canadian Rockies Science CROWSNEST MOUNTAIN -"The Ballad of the Upside-Down Mountain" by geologist Al Bradley provides insight into the tectonic history of the Front Ranges of the Canadian Rockies. MOUNT GALWEY -This colourful peak in Waterton National Park provides an introduction to the scientists who worked with the International Boundary Survey from 1872 until 1876. One of them was George Dawson who, in spite of a significant physical disability, is said to have been one of the finest scientists Canada has ever produced. WALCOTT PEAK -Providing a backdrop to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, this peak connects us with Dr. Charles D. Walcott, who discovered the famous Burgess Shale fossils. The location is now a World Heritage Site. Art MOUNT RUNDLE -This popular peak west of Banff provides an introduction to the art of Walter Phillips of the Group of Seven and a wonderful book that connects mountains and hiking to the artists who have portrayed the Canadian Rockies. Behavior Management MOUNT PAUL -During the summer of 1911, Paul Sharples' good behavior was rewarded by having a spectacular mountain in the Maligne Lake area named in his honour. Physical Education TUNNEL MOUNTAIN -This diminutive little peak that has no tunnel was the site for Anne Ness's keep-fit plan that she followed faithfully for forty years. HEALTH (Character Development) MOUNT WILSON -One of the Rockies' first outfitters and businessmen, Tom Wilson went to great lengths to enjoy Christmas Dinner with his family in 1909. MOUNT LAWRENCE GRASSI -This peak introduces us to a miner and climbing guide who spent his spare time moving huge rocks to improve trails in the Rockies. His dedication will help others enjoy the Rockies for centuries. MOUNT ROBSON -George Kinney became entranced by the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. His determination to reach the summit is inspirational. Back To PeakFinder Top Level