Grade Level
8th and 9th

Subjects:
Social Studies, Language Arts, Computer Literacy

Learner Outcomes:
The students will:

1. Search the Internet to learn about the history of the Iditarod.
2. Write a composition entitled "The History of the Iditarod."
3. Use electronic resources to communicate with students from other schools about the history of the Iditarod.

Materials:

1. The "History of the Iditarod" Internet study guide (see page 4 of this lesson plan)
2. Reference sources such as encyclopedias and encyclopedia CD-ROMs
3. Computers with Internet access
4. Student email accounts

Technology Tools/Courseware:

1. Computers with Internet Access
2. Encarta ncyclopedia on CD-ROM (any encyclopedia on CD-ROM)
3. Email

The introduction of this unit, "The Iditarod - An Alaskan Adventure," will take place in Language Arts class as study begins with the novel "The Call of the Wild." This Social Studies lesson (The History of the Iditarod) should be completed after the Unit introduction and before the start of the Iditarod race. The research portion of the lesson should be completed in a computer lab with the students working individually or in small groups. The writing, small group discussion and class discussion may take place in a regular classroom setting. 

Procedures:

1. Students will begin the unit "The Iditarod - An Alaskan Adventure" in Language Arts. (See "The Call of the Wild" Lesson)
2. Students will visit the sites History of the Iditarod, The Last Great Race or A Brief History of the Iditarod to research and document information about the history of the Iditarod race. 
3. Students will answer a series of questions, in written form, about the history of the Iditarod. These questions can be found on page 4 of this lesson. 
4. Students will share information they gather in small group discussions.
5. Students will communicate with other students via a Message Board and email concerning the history of the Iditarod.
6. Students will write a short description of the history of the Iditarod race. Selected descriptions will be posted on the School Web Page. These may be shared in a final group discussion to culminate this lesson.

Teachers should determine the need for student assistance based on Inclusion and request a special education teacher and/or aide be present during lesson activities.

Enrichment Activities:

1. Students may use the Internet to research one of the following "Famous Dogs in History"-- Aibe, Balto, Barry, Igloo and Laika.  Submit written documentation of findings.

Evaluation/Assessment:

1. Students will submit their written summary of the history of the Iditarod as a final activity.  Summaries will be evaluated and selections will be made to post on the school Web Page under the Iditarod Updates.
2.  Students will submit completed Internet study guides for evaluation.

IGOs and Other Standards:

West Virginia IGOs:
Writing: 8.5, 8.53, 8.55, 8.59
Language: 8.89, 8.144, 8.98
Study Skills: 8.144,8.145
Computer/Technology: 8.155
Spelling: 8.67, 8.70
Social Studies: 9.45, 9.29, 9.38, 9.51 

National Standards

References:

1.  The History of the Iditarod
2.  The Last Great Race - http://www.iditarod.com/iditarod/an-exp.htm
3.  A Brief History of the Iditarod - http://www.starfishsoftware.com/idog/history.html
4.  Encarta Encyclopedia on CD-ROM.
5.  Message board for student communication about the Iditarod - 
           http://www.iditarod.com/iditarod/99-teachers/teach-cr.htm

Comments:

Please direct questions concerning this lesson to the Blennerhassett Junior High School email contacts listed in the "Created by" section.

Created By: 

Blennerhassett Junior High School
Jo Miller
Eric Minigh
Beth Morgan

We will update our school's progress through this unit on our school web page found at Wood County Schools.  -- Go to the Blennerhassett link

Date Created:

February 15, 1999
 

Attachments
 
 

   Research the following questions by accessing the assigned Internet sites, using Encarta’s encyclopedia CD-ROM or by contacting students from other schools via email or message boards
 

1. The Iditarod Trail was first used as a _______________________________. 
2. The Iditarod Trail now runs from _________________to ________________.
3. The Iditarod Race has been called _______________________________________.
4. List examples of possible occupations of "mushers" when they are not racing:

2. What was the Iditarod Trail used for in 1925? ____________________________________

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

_________________________________________________________________________.

3. How often is the race route altered?  _____________________________
4. The Iditarod Race first ran to Nome in ______________.
5. The idea of the race was conceived by ___________________________, known as the "Mother of the Iditarod."
6. The "purse" or prize money for the first race was _______________________.
7. The first short race was held in what year? ____________.
8. The race was _____________miles long and was won by _______________________________.
9. The race now starts in downtown ___________________________.
10. What is the "Iditarod Air Force"?   _______________________________ ________________________________________
11. Who is known as the "Father of the Iditarod?" ____________________________
12. Who was the first woman to win the Iditarod? ____________________________
13. List the equipment each dog sled team must have:

A.  ______________________          D.  _______________________

F.  ______________________          G.  _______________________