Make arrangements for student use of the school computer lab for research. Provide materials
that may be helpful for the construction of the three-dimensional model.
The following Internet resources may provide additional information for the student's research:
Fifth Grade Resources
Fifth Grade Internet Resources
Fifth Grade Sci-ber Site
Display a map of Utah. Ask students to identify the major mountain ranges shown on the
map and then name the ones surrounding the Salt Lake City valley.
Ask students how the geology of Northern Utah contributed to Salt Lake City's bid for the
Olympic Winter Games of 2002?
Encourage students to brainstorm a list of natural forces that helped create the mountains,
canyons, streams and valleys of Northern Utah.
Have students use the Internet resources listed above or class books and resources to find
out more about the formation of the Wasatch Mountains and write a paper explaining their
research.
Assign students to create a three-dimensional model of the Wasatch Mountains, labeling the
geographical features. Students may wish to label the Olympic venue sites along the Wasatch
front.
Ask students to predict what Northern Utah will look like one hundred million years in the
future. Will Utah still be "the place" for the Winter Olympics? Have students explain their
answer.
The mountains of both Northern and Southern Utah are more than just another pretty
place. They provide the state with millions of dollars of revenue each year. Have
students explain why?
Discuss and explain why it is important to plan the 2002 Olympics very carefully?
Could poor planning for the Olympic Winter Games cause any problems? What might they be?
