• The Himalaya Mountains are located between India and China
• The mountains extend 1,500 miles across Asia
• Mt. Everest is part of the Himalayas and is the world’s highest peak
• The Himalayas formed where the Indian landmass collided with the Eurasian Plate
• There are different climate patterns on each side of the Himalayas — warmer and wetter to the south, colder and drier to the north

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After the observational question, randomly call on one or more students to share what they or their partner answered. Then ask the class, “Did anyone notice…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you’ve noticed.

• Why do fewer people live near the Himalayas?
• How do the Himalayas affect temperature and precipitation?
• What makes Mt. Everest the highest peak?
• Why did tectonic plates collide in this region?
• How do mountain barriers affect weather in Asia?

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After students have shared what they notice, ask the class, “Did anyone wonder…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you might think is interesting or relevant to the lesson.

To the observational question, What are the Himalaya Mountains?

LOW-LEVEL

The Himalaya Mountains are tall mountains in Asia with snowy peaks and Mt. Everest.

HIGH-LEVEL

The Himalaya Mountains are a massive mountain range formed by tectonic forces between the Indian and Eurasian plates, influencing both climate and population distribution in Asia.

RESPONDING TO RESPONSES
Emphasize and celebrate each student’s use of the key vocabulary to support a culture of “no wrong answers.”