Do you recognize that body of water in the background of the picture? Well, if you don’t, that is the Bering Sea, and as you can see, there is very little sea ice this year. 

When people think of the Iditarod, they often associate it with the 1925 Serum Run–a race against time in which a series of sled dog teams relayed a diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, AK. Teachers often have their students learn about the Serum Run and some of the famous lead dogs of that run, including Balto and Togo. It is important to note that the Iditarod started as a way to help keep sled dogs an important part of history and to also commemorate the old mail trails. The Serum Run was an important part of sled dog history; it is not the reason why the Iditarod started. 

While looking at this picture and having the opportunity to be on the coast, it made me think: how would history be different if this is what the Bering Sea looked like in 1925? 

***Teachers*** Have your students conduct research on the 1925 Serum. Here is an interesting article based on this historical event. Additionally, here is an informational resource on the Bering climate. After researching the Serum Run, have students respond to the previous question in which they evaluate if things would be different. And, if so, how would things be different if the Bering Sea was unfrozen?