Grade Level
8th and 9th

Subject 
Language Arts and Health 

Learner Outcomes:
The students will:
1.  Define hypothermia and frostbite, identify symptoms, suggest treatments, and recognize preventative measures.
2.  Research the effects of extreme cold on sled dogs, proper care and preparation for a race, and determine precautionary measures to prevent health problems in these conditions.

Time Frame:
The lesson will require two 45-minute class periods.

Materials:
1.  Pencil and paper for note taking
2.  Computers with Internet access
3.  Classroom projection device

Technology Tools/Courseware:
1.  Computers with Internet access
2. Microsoft Encarta or other information program on CD-ROM

Teacher Notes:

This unit is designed to be taught in a classroom situation with the teacher giving the information either in lecture form or from a single computer and a projection device. The teacher will determine for each class, based on the availability of computers, whether the unit is to be taught in a classroom situation with one Internet connection or on a more individual or small group basis in a computer lab situation.

Procedures:
1.  After presenting the objectives of the lesson to the students, the teacher will use the provided Frostbite Internet sites to define and discuss hypothermia and frostbite.

2.  Students then will, in a similar fashion, either through instruction, group work, or individual work, determine the effects of cold weather on sled dogs and determine what precautions can be taken to prevent harmful situations.

Modifications:
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.  "The Anatomy of A Dog" - Draw or trace a picture of a sled dog and label the external anatomy.
2.  "Breeds of Dogs" - Write a report on dog breeds which includes the major groups in which all dogs are grouped and to which groups different breeds of sled dogs belong.
3.  Write a report on veterinarians -- explaining education and duties, and discuss some of the situations that you, as veterinarian, might be required to treat during the Iditarod.

Evaluation/Assessment:
1.  Students will be able to define hypothermia and frostbite, and tell the symptoms and treatments for each. (see attachments)
2.  Students will choose one of two journal topics:
     A.  You are on a camping trip in the mountains and caught in an unexpected winter snowstorm with low temperatures. What have you done to prepare for this situation and what can you do now to assure survival without harm.
     B.  You are in charge of a dog sled team. How do you prepare them for extended periods in cold snowy weather, and how do you care for them on the trail?

IGOs and Other Standards:
West Virginia IGOs:
Nutrition- 8.32, 8.33, 8.34
Using Technology- 8.37, 8.43
Food Supplements- HE.59

National Standards

References:
Suggested sites:
Dog Care- http://www.iditarod.com/iditarod/99-vets/vetmain.htm 
Dog Care- http://sleddogcentral.com/
Dog care- http://spca.wnylife.com/behavior/frostbite.htm
General Information- http://www.iditarod.com/
Frostbite- http://external.aomc.org/HOD2/general/Perssafe-FROSTBIT.html
Frostbite- http://www.uconnhealth.org/diseasewellness/disease/frostbite.htm 
Hypothermia- http://www.sarbc.org/hypo.html 
Hypothermia- http://www.safety-council.org/coldfact.htm
Materials and references from Iditarod Trail - Alaska, a learning unit developed by Dr. Cheryl Kish from Northern Illinois University, and Sue Schott, and Pam Hartwig from Hadley Junior High School in Illinois were used by permission.

Comments:
This unit will give health instructors an opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary instructional unit and incorporate technology into their curriculum.

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 http://www.netassoc.net/wcboe/Schsec.htm -- Go to the Blennerhassett link

Date Created:
February 15, 1999
 
 

Attachments
 
 

1. Define frostbite.(3 pts) 
2. List two symptoms of frostbite.(2 pts) 
3. List three precautionary measures you can take to prevent frostbite.(3 pt) 
4. Define hypothermia.(3 pts) 
5. List two symptoms of hypothermia.(2 pts) 
6. List two treatments for hypothermia.(2 pts) 
7. List three precautionary measures you can take to prevent hypothermia.(3 pts)