The Iditarod Certified Educator program equips teachers to best represent the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race by providing educators accurate and factual history of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an authentic background in dog sledding in indigenous Alaskan communities, and instruction in writing quality Iditarod themed standards-based lessons.The program is a four-month-long professional development …
Our first Iditarod Certified Educator’s cohort is off and running down the trail! Their first challenge was to develop a quick lesson idea based on the theme of Debski’s Diner. Debski is the amazing cook for all of the volunteers in Nome. She serves as a kind of den mom for all of the volunteers …
This month’s question comes from….. From Mrs. Tarbell’s 3rd grade class: We read the article about how sled dogs stay warm in their dog houses, but how do they stay warm when they are on the trail racing and stop to sleep? Text and Photos by: Lynne Witte Art by: Jon Van Zyle Sled …
This month’s question comes from….. From Mrs. Gotschall’s 3rd grade class: How do the dogs see and run at night? Eyes All Aglow By: Lynne Witte Illustrated by: Jon Van Zyle “In the full moon when it is blue and white on the snow at the same time, so bright and clean and …
This month’s question comes from….. Mrs. Randoph’s Second Grade Class How do sled dogs keep warm in their outside houses? Are all dog houses the same? Snuggled In: By: Lynne Witte Illustrations by: Jon Van Zyle It’s cold and snowing outside, but inside a sled dog’s house, they are warm and cozy. Sled dogs …
Over 40 pieces of art for the Trail Mail Art contest were received from across the US this year. We are grateful to Wendy Brott for her continued support of this program, and to Jon and Jona Van Zyle who served as judges and selected this year’s winners. The decision was very difficult for the …
Here you will find artifacts related to specific Iditarod Mushers! Check back, as we’ll be adding to this page! Susan Butcher Photo Lesson Idea
The Iditarod EDU family has lost some of its biggest legends in the last months. At every conference we lead, when we post the question, “What got you interested in using the Iditarod as a teaching tool?” at least half the room mentions Gary Paulsen and his novel Woodsong. When we ask our returning teachers …
The late 1980s belonged to one woman: Susan Butcher. In 1986 she became the second female winner, the second four-time winner in 1990, and the first person to win four out of five consecutive years. The first Saturday of March is now known as Susan Butcher Day. Using the Source With Students Display the photo …
This month’s question comes from….. Ava Why do mushers sometimes use four-wheelers with the dogs? Are the dogs really pulling those? Or are the mushers driving them? Ready? Start your Engines! When temperatures drop the musher and dogs are ready to begin their training season. An ATV is a good choice for the best …
