Grade Level :    5

Subjects:
    Language Arts
    Art
 

Duration of lesson: 5 days,  30-40 minute lessons,  plus self-paced computer research

Learner outcomes:   The student will:
 

•       learn about the Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Husky
•       read about dog sledding adventures
•       learn vocabulary related to the Iditarod dogs
•       research Iditarod race sites
•       prepare an overview paper  (compare and contrast the two breeds) of the sled dogs

Materials:
        encyclopedia
        worksheet
        colored pencils
        white paper
        dictionary

Technology Tools/Courseware:
           computer with Internet access
           word processing program

Teacher Notes:
             Teacher should visit the web sites listed and familiarize themselves with the content material for this lesson. Teacher will locate a copy of the book  Balto: A True Story of a Brave Husky Dog  by Natalie Standiford and/or other books related to the Iditarod.

Procedures:

         1. Introduce the vocabulary to the students.  Students are to find definitions of the words in the dictionary. Hold a discussion of their finds at the end of class.
          2. Students will use a computer and type in  www.yahooligans.com. Students will search for sled dogs then choose a site from the list given. Each student or group will report in written form on the information they find.
         3. Students will type their summaries on the word processor.
         4. Students will visit the web site to learn about the dogs. They will read about the mushers' favorite sled dogs. Students will write a paragraph on two of the mushers' favorite dogs. They need to report the dogs name and something about them.
        5. Review vocabulary words. Hand out the word search which can be created at www.puzzlemaker.com. Explain that there is a hidden message.
        6. Students will visit the web sites about dog sledding to research sled dogs. They will take notes to use in writing their reports. Instruct students to design a cover for their report illustrating a sled dog at work.
       7. Students will visit web site and click on dog sledding and play the game.
         8.  Students will place their completed reports in their Iditarod journals.

Modifications:
    In order to complete research, pair up one strong reader with one non-reader or low level reader.
For students with IEPs or modification requirements, accept written material shorter in length.
Allow students to pair in teams to complete worksheets and reports. Allow extra time for those who might need it.

Enrichment Activities:

• visit other book marked web sites pertaining to sled dogs
• students can visit the web site www.iditarod.com and click on Zuma's Paw Prints and e-mail a sled dog (they will probably get a response)
• students can use word processing program on the computer to write their summaries and reports
• read the story of Balto: A True Story of a Brave Husky Dog  by Natalie Standiford

Evaluation / Assessment:

• students will be evaluated on the completion of the assigned lessons with the given rubric

State  Standards:
West Virginia instructional Goals and Objectives:

English Language Arts

• reading  5.15, 5.16, 5.17,5.22, 5.23, 5.43,
• writing 5.52, 5.54, 5.56,5.57,
• computer/technology 5.182, 5.183,

National Standards:
Language Arts
          1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
        2. Gathers and uses information for research purposes.
          3. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts.
Social Studies
          1. Understands the physical and human characteristics of place.
Visual Arts
          1.  Understands the visual arts in relation to history and culture.

References:
   Iditarod race
   Alaskan Race
   Search Engine for dog sled race
   dog sledding
   Balto: A True Story of a Brave Husky Dog  by Natalie Standiford

Authors:
   Jeannine Brand
   Libby Davis
   Susan Seitz