SISTER MOUNTAIN CURRICULUM MATERIALS
The Sister Mountain Curriculum Project teaches middle and high school students in the US and Japan about two iconic mountains, Mount Fuji and Mount Rainier. These famous peaks serve as a lens to focus student awareness of mountains' physical processes, ecology, and human culture. Students gain insight into the value of mountains and the importance of stewardship. By highlighting similarities and differences between these two volcanoes and their people, the project also enhances international understanding.  In August 2010 six Japanese teachers visited Mount Rainier to meet with American teachers and review the lesson plans they had developed.  In 2012 the Japanese teachers will host a workshop in Japan for the US teachers.

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NISQUALLY RIVER CURRICULUM MATERIALS
Where the River Begins, the first in a series of interdisciplinary curriculum guides focusing on the Nisqually River Watershed (the Nisqually River begins near the top of  Mount Rainier at the Nisqually Glacier), is designed for upper elementary to middle school students. The guide includes pre- and post-visit activities and field trip activities that provide overview of glaciers, glacial rivers, life zones, national parks, and some park history.

Obtain your copy of Where the Rivers Begin:
Download files below at no charge. For slower connections, right click on file and select "save target as". Then, open the file after it has been saved to your computer. 

Curriculum Guide (large PDF, 2.48 MB) 
Student Log Book (PDF, 386 KB)

More information about the Nisqually River corridor is available here.

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VOLCANO CURRICULUM MATERIALS
Living with a Volcano in Your Backyard, an interdisciplinary middle school curriculum, focuses on the processes, products, and hazards associated with living in the shadow of Mount Rainier, the volcano. The curriculum is divided into three thematic chapters: What the Past Tells Us, Today's Discoveries Unlock the Past, and Don't Be Scared - Be Prepared! Living with a Volcano in Your Backyard is part of the partnership between the park and the US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory.

Washington State History Museum offers a new Ring of Fire: Volcanoes of Washington State History Box that helps students explore the historic interaction between the people of Washington and their ever-changing volcanic landscape. Find out more from Washington State History Museum's Education Department.