Alaska is our largest state. In fact, it is ten times larger than Iowa (my state). Since my class learns a lot about Alaska, I think it is important for them to see just how large of a state Alaska is. We study many different countries in my classroom. Each time we get to a …
Have your class research the number of checkpoints that are on the Iditarod Trail. There are two routes on the Iditarod Trail, the Northern Route and the Southern Route. On even years, the trail takes the Northern Route and on odd years the trail goes the Southern Route. Click here for the answer.
The “Restart,” the official start of the Iditarod. The Iditarod officially begins on Willow Lake in Willow, Alaska. At 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday after the first Saturday in March, dogs and mushers begin their journey to Nome. It is hard to fathom that just 8 months earlier this lake was a peaceful lake with …
Have your students research the “Father of the Iditarod.” Who is he? When did he start the race? Why did he start the race? Did he ever race in the Iditarod himself? Does he have family members still racing? Click here for the answer. Visit the Online Iditarod Museum for additional information on the …
The definition of volunteer is a person who performs a service willingly and without pay. There are thousands of people who volunteer each year for the Iditarod. Without these many volunteers, there is absolutely no way this race could happen. The journey of a volunteer does not just take place during the few weeks of …
As part of the Iditarod Summer Camp for Educators, we are given the opportunity to hook up with a rookie musher and follow them throughout the year. My class is working with Cindy Abbott. The students are very excited to have the opportunity to follow and communicate with her this year. Our first task was …
Have your students estimate how much snow must be brought into Anchorage for the Ceremonial Start? Where does this snow come from? How many streets are used in Anchorage for the Ceremonial Start? Click here for the answer to the trivia question.
Trivia Question: What is the name of the intersection in Anchorage where the Ceremonial Start begins? Periodically I will post trivia questions for you to use in the classroom. You can use the trivia in a variety of ways. Challenge your students to find the answer to the questions before I post the answer, which …
I teach at the Camanche Middle School in Camanche, Iowa. Our class is on a journey, thus, the Camanche Middle School Trail. This article will provide you with ideas on how to create your own trail. I have wanted a trail map on my wall for a while now. This year it is happening. My …
Don’t let your journey to the starting line begin in late February/early March. Start as soon as you can. Yesterday was my first day with students here at Camanche Middle School. I love the beginning of the year. It is always exciting to decorate my classroom and start a new year with fresh ideas. Of …
