We have finally made it to “Z” and just as we are at the end of the alphabet, we are at the end of another Iditarod. We have zero regrets as we are loading to the aircraft on our separate journeys home. It has been an adventure for sure. Today’s tasks included assisting with the packing up of the Nome kitchen and attending the incredible End of the Race Banquet. As mushers spoke of their respect and appreciation for one another, you realize the unique comradarie of this race. Yes, it is a competition, but more importantly it is a right of passage, a small and special group to be a part of. It is where they support, care for, and look out for one another as they make this long and arduous journey. Their zest for a life with their dogs and time spent under the stars mushing in the darkness is infectious. My hope is that you will once again join the Iditarod family next year as we embrace another year, another race, another field of mushers, and another adventure together!
A-Z… Complete! Tuck these away for next year!
A – Arctic Adventure Path
Create a classroom trail where students move like sled dogs across the “Arctic.” Each stop includes a question about Alaska or the Iditarod.
B – Build a Sled
Students design and build a small sled using craft sticks, cardboard, or recycled materials.
C – Checkpoint Challenge
Create classroom checkpoints where students complete short tasks (math, reading, puzzles) before moving to the next stop.
D – Dog Team Math
Use pictures of sled dogs to practice grouping, multiplication, or addition (e.g., 16 dogs in teams of 4).
E – Energy for the Race
Discuss what mushers and dogs eat. Students plan a “race day menu” and explain why it gives energy.
F – Freeze Tag: Iditarod Edition
Students run like sled dogs. When tagged, they “freeze” like they’re stuck in snow until a teammate frees them.
G – Gear Investigation
Explore items mushers carry (booties, sleds, parkas). Students guess the purpose of each item.
H – Huskies Study
Research sled dogs. Compare Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies, and other working dogs.
I – Iditarod Timeline
Students place key events in order from the 1925 serum run to the modern race.
J – Journal Like a Musher
Students write daily race journal entries as if they are traveling the trail.
K – Kilometer Counting
Calculate race distances between checkpoints and practice estimation or addition.
L – Landscape Drawing
Students draw Alaska landscapes along the race trail (mountains, forests, tundra).
M – Map the Trail
Use a map of Alaska to trace the Iditarod trail and locate checkpoints.
N – Northern Lights Art
Create aurora borealis art using chalk, paint, or pastels.
O – Obstacle Course Trail
Set up a mini “Iditarod trail” obstacle course in the gym or classroom.
P – Pack the Sled
Students decide what supplies a musher needs and justify their choices.
Q – Quick Decision Game
Present race scenarios (storm, tired dogs, lost gear). Students decide what a musher should do.
R – Race Strategy
Students plan how they would pace their dog team and when they would rest.
S – Sled Dog Science
Learn how dogs stay warm and how their bodies are built for endurance.
T – Trail Mix Math
Students measure ingredients to make “Iditarod trail mix.”
U – Uphill Challenge
Students simulate pulling a sled uphill by dragging a small object across the floor.
V – Veterinarian Station
Role-play as race veterinarians checking sled dogs for health and safety.
W – Weather Watch
Study Alaska weather and how storms affect the race.
X – eXplore the Unknown
Students research unusual facts about the race or little-known checkpoints.
Y – Yukon River Crossing
Learn about the Yukon River and discuss challenges mushers face crossing it.
Z – Zoom to the Finish
Students design a finish line banner and celebrate completing their “classroom race.”
