Think of a time when you had to persuade someone to do something or think a certain way. What strategies did you use? Was it easy or difficult? Did you have to think about which examples or reasons were the most important? Last week, I attended a fundraiser for a very special place in our …
What do Alaska winter gear and spacesuits have in common? A lot, as it turns out. Both of these specialized sets of apparel have features designed to protect the wearer from environmental hazards such as extreme temperatures, debris impact, and radiation. Gear must have many other functions such as pockets and clasps for tools and …
As of today’s posting, the Iditarod starts in only 42 days–and there are now 43 mushers signed up! It’s exciting to think that these teams will soon be getting out on the Iditarod Trail. How will you get your classroom excited and “geared up” for the race? Students always want to know who the …
Teachers from around the world apply for the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail position. What is that like, exactly? The process is long and complex starting with a portfolio submission, due December 1, which includes showcase lessons, experiences and background that are helpful to performing the tasks of the Teacher on the Trail, letters of …
What would it be like for your students to become a musher for a day? Or to transform into the race marshal, a pilot, or dog handler? How would they feel to wear what Iditarod volunteers wear, to speak as they do, and to inhabit their experiences? This lesson, “Iditarod Living Museum,” is a close …
February 27 – Tuesday Lakefront Hotel 3rd floor Spenard room 8 a.m. breakfast (provided) /check in 8:45 a.m. Jane Holmes, Education Director Welcome: staff introductions, UAA credit options, I.C.E. information 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. 2024 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail Kate Newmyer 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. 2014 Teacher on the Trail Erin Montgomery “AI and …
Jon Van Zyle’s official poster for the 2016 Iditarod shows an immense snowy wilderness framed by mountains. A musher crouches over a small fire, which lights the surrounding dimness with a faint light. Nearby, shadowy figures of sled dogs at rest dot the snow. Off to the side, the trail leads our eye into the …
It’s December, and this Gulf Coast resident is watching with envy from afar as dog teams travel down snowy trails in Alaska and run first-of-the-winter short races. Winter in my part of Texas could be considered “shorts weather” in Alaska! I shared photos of the recent deep snowfall in Anchorage with my students—and they were …
What do you picture when you think about the Iditarod? If you have never seen this amazing event in person, you rely on photos and videos taken by others. Spectators who have experienced the Last Great Race might show you their snapshots of a dogsled traveling over sparkling snow, the fur on the dogs’ bodies …
Just like the mushers of the Iditarod, Karlyn T. of WY showed perseverance and has been selected as the artist for the 2024 Trail Mail envelopes. Karlyn entered last year’s Trail Mail design contest as well and was a top finalist. Meeting and exceeding the criteria of content and artistic aptitude, this 13 year old’s …
