Linda

Shaw Elementary School outside of Wasilla, Alaska is a school with a view. The Chugach Mountains are visible beyond the school in this photo. Teacher on the Trail™, Linda Fenton, is presenting at five Mat-Su Valley Schools, including Shaw, prior to beginning her journey on the Iditarod Trail when the race begins on March 3rd. Fenton is sharing common themes between her home state of Wisconsin and Alaska with the students. Her third grade students back in Waupaca, Wisconsin learn scientific principles through aviation. Her presentation to the Alaska students includes information on the four forces of flight at well as demonstrations about lift and thrust. She also guides the students through a process of deciding which of the four forces of flight apply to a dog sled. Her presentation connects the musher’s trail to the trail above the trail by which the pilots of the Iditarod Air Force transport supplies, people and dogs to and from checkpoints on the Iditarod Trail. Fenton’s articles and lesson plans are available on the Iditarod Education Portal.