Basic force and motion physics states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. Therefore, logic dictates that a snowpack, being stationary, should stay that way, begging the question of what sets the snow in motion to cause an avalanche. Build a slope simulator by hinging a board to a base. Using flour and sugar as "snow," test the likelihood of an avalanche based on slope angle and snow accumulation. Compare the difference between snow fall on a bare board base versus one lined with tin foil, plastic wrap, wax paper or sandpaper. Place nails vertically into the board sticking above the snowpack and observe if the "posts" have any effect on the risk of avalanche. Draw conclusions from the results as to which conditions are most likely or least likely to produce an avalanche.
Beacons are critical to quickly locating people buried in an avalanche because National Geographic reports that once it stops, the settling snow packs in as hard as concrete and anyone trapped in the drift will not be able to dig herself out. Survival wholly depends on speedy location and digging by search and rescue teams. If you have access to two or more search and rescue beacons, have a professional or experienced alpine outdoorsman teach you how to use the beacon to locate someone lost in an avalanche. Then you can turn it into a game and teach your class how to use beacons. Have one individual or team hide one beacon and let the second team or individual use the second beacon to locate the first. Another option would be to have one person wear the beacon and go hide somewhere in the school. Then let the rest of the class try to home in on the signal to find him.
A game show-style quiz is a fast-paced way to review the avalanche science and safety material that you should remember. Make up a stack of question and answer cards such as, "When are avalanches most likely to occur?" or "What is the difference between a sluff, a wet avalanche and a slab avalanche?" or "Why is it important to carry a beacon when traveling in the backcountry?" Challenge your class to a friendly competition. Take turns reading and answering questions. Award points for every correct answer. The individual or team with the most points when all the questions are asked, wins.
REI warns that if you see evidence of recent slides, cracks in the slope, or the ground feels hollow or "whumps" under your feet, an avalanche might be imminent. If avalanche danger is high, the best safety tip is to stay home. But if you must travel in avalanche terrain, travel on ridges, hilltops, gentle slopes and thick forests away from open valleys. Avoid overhangs and snowy deposits. Carry safety gear such as a beacon transceiver, probe and shovel and always travel with a buddy. Make a avalanche safety brochure to educate others on how to stay safe in avalanche country, including warning signs, proper gear and survival tips.