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Teach and Learn
Engaging lessons based on Insider video clips.
Our four-legged correspondents write for all ages.
Collection of all things Iditarod.
Latest Teach and Learn Posts
On February 7, the Iditarod Education Department launched the new digital version of a favorite Iditarod classroom activity, an Iditaread. Embracing technology and realizing the need for virtual and digital tools for learning, the education department and our technology partners developed version 1 of the IditaRead Digital. And you, our Iditarod teachers, responded immediately and …
Something that every Iditarod Rookie looks forward to is “earning his or her buckle.” Each Iditarod finisher is awarded a brass finisher’s belt buckle upon the completion of their first race signaling that they are a rookie no more! In the early days of the race, the Nome Kennel club wanted to do something to …
The last musher has crossed the finish line in Iditarod 49. And what a race it was this year! Your IditaRead “mushers” may be crossing the finish as well. Here are the PDFs for a black and white or a color finisher’s certificate for you to present to your finishers. Additionally, we want to thank …
One of the iconic images of the Iditarod is the Burled Arch that stands at the end of the epic journey the teams take across the state of Alaska. But, did you know the current Burled Arch is actually the second arch in Iditarod History? Using the Source With Students: Display the historic photo above …
Can you imagine what it must feel like to reach the finish line of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race? Imagine coming up the hill that transitions between the Bering Coast and the city of Nome. Imagine running down Front Street, your eyes resting on the Burled Arch, knowing you and your team had accomplished what …
Students will create paper circuits to light up checkpoints on the Iditarod Trail. Grade Level – 3rd – 5th Topic: Electrical Circuits / Measurement Students will gain an understanding of electrical circuits by creating an electrical circuit to light up an Iditarod checkpoint. Students will practice their measuring skills. Students will become familiar with the …
Iditarod PE Challenge Hey amazing teachers, check out this PE unit that was designed for virtual education by Alaska teacher and prior Iditarod Teacher on the Trail Finalist Lisa Wiley. Let the enthusiasm of the mushers and sled dogs inspire your students to complete all the Iditarod PE Challenges while they learn about the trail …
Teen Nonfiction Books Title: Author (Copyright Date): Notes: Woodsong Gary Paulsen (1990) Gary Paulsen’s experiences as he trains and ultimately runs the Iditarod dogsled race. Paulsen vividly describes the effects of bone-chilling cold, physical exhaustion, and the spirit of competitiveness that dominates the event. EDU Review Grades 6 and up Lexile 1030 …
Teen Fiction Title: Author (Copyright Date): Notes: Sixteen in Nome Max Brand (1930, 1995) Sixteen-year-old Joe May comes to Alaska to stake his claim during the Gold Rush of the 1890’s. He meets two mining partners who clash over a dog named Alec and a mystery woman. Young Adult. The Call of the Wild …
Primary Nonfiction Books Title: Author (Copyright Date): Notes: Alaska’s Dog Heroes: True Stories of Remarkable Canines Shelley Gill (2014) True canine stories from Alaska including Balto, Togo, Tekla and more. Ages 6-9 Big-Enough Anna: The Little Sled Dog Who Braved the Arctic Pam Flowers with Ann Dixon (2003) A true story about how …