Lesson Plan - The World’s Most Dangerous Job

Watch a Video
Watch the video “What You Need to Know About Mount Everest.” Ask: What are some of the dangers and difficulties in climbing Mount Everest? Would you want to try to climb this peak?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• altitude
• treacherous

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about the dangers of climbing Mount Everest.

1. Based on the article, who are Sherpas?
Sherpas are an ethnic group that lives in Nepal’s mountainous regions. Many Sherpas use “Sherpa” as their last name. Many are skilled mountaineers because they are used to living at a high altitude.
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2. What are some tasks Sherpas do on Mount Everest? Why are these tasks important?
Some tasks Sherpas do on Mount Everest include hauling food, tents, and equipment to the camps; preparing the icy path to the top by setting up ladders and safety ropes; leading climbers up and down Everest; and carrying injured climbers when necessary. These tasks are important because most climbers would not succeed without them.
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3. According to the article, why are many Sherpas willing to face the dangers involved in doing their jobs on Mount Everest?
Many Sherpas who work on Everest are willing to face the dangers because the job pays much better than other jobs in Nepal. The article states that “The average Nepalese worker earns about $1,400 per year. But many Sherpas on Everest make twice that amount during one season.”
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Featured Skill: Informative Writing
Use the skill builder “The Seven Summits” to spotlight the location of the highest mountain on each continent. Have students answer the questions to compare the peaks’ locations and heights.
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