Iditarod 

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A Day in the Life of a Sled Dog!

Introduction

Task

Process

Student Pathfinders

Evaluation

Conclusion

 

Teacher Resources

 

 

Introduction

It’s unlike any other event in the world. A race over 1,150 miles of the most extreme and beautiful terrain known to man or dog: across mountain ranges, frozen rivers, dense forests, desolate tundra and windswept coastline. Add sub-zero temperatures and blinding winds, and you’ve got the makings of a legendary adventure. That’s the Iditarod. Come spend a day with me... as an official Iditarod sled dog.

 

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The Task
How does one prepare to participate in an Iditarod Sled Dog Race? 

Create a narrative using the guidelines stated in the rubric from the Sled Dog's point of view as they prepare and participate in the Iditarod. 

Environmentalist

Question 1:  Why is the climate and knowledge of the physical terrain important to the preparation of the race?

Musher

Question 2:  How do mushers prepare and plan for their needs and the needs of their sled dogs?

Sled Dog

Question 3:  What training and qualifications do sled dogs require to participate in the Iditarod?

 

Process
Research your assigned role and complete a research grid based on your question.

Environmentalist Research Grid

Musher Research Grid

Sled Dog Research Grid

After gathering researched information, come together as a group to discuss findings. Complete a Realistic Fiction story from the sled dog's point of view using the information gathered.

 

Student Pathfinders

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Environmentalist:

Anchorage Daily News:  www.adn.com

Alaska Information  http://www.dced.state.ak.us/oed/student_info/learn/information.htm

Cabela's Iditarod:  www.cabelasiditarod.com/lesson_6.html

Northern Lights:  www.northern-lights.no/

About Alaska:    http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/iditarod/index.htm

Student information    http://www.dced.state.ak.us/oed/student_info/student.htm

Musher:

Iditarod Facts:  www.ultimateiditarod.com/teachers.htm

Online Activities:  http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/iditarod/index.htm

Sled Dog Game:  http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/sleddogs/multimedia/sleddogs-game.html

Dog Care:  http://library.thinkquest.org/3796/Dogcare.html

Musher Biographies:  http://dogsled.com/musherbios

 

Sled Dogs:

Cabela's Iditarod:  http://www.cabelasiditarod.com

Sled Dog Breeders:  http://www.lara-kesiberians.com/

Siberian Husky World:  http://www.workingdogweb.com/Siberians.htm#I&Q      (Cancel Password)

Mushing Terminology:  http://www.iditarod.com/2-5.html

Veterinary Care:  http://www.iditarod.com/2-6.html

Making of a Sled Dog:  http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/sleddogs/making.html

 

 

 

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Evaluation
Story Writing: A Day in the Life of an Iditarod Sled Dog Rubric

 

Conclusion
The life of an Iditarod sled dog can be very adventurous.  The musher must have a great knowledge about the land and environment to be able to survive the harsh elements of an Alaskan winter.  The sled dog relies on his musher to train and provide care to ensure a safe and successful race.

 

Teacher Resources
 
Online Resources
Print Resources
Staff Development

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Citation
Official Iditarod Website   www.iditarod.com

Rubric   http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=CustomizeTemplatePrint&

NC DPI http://www.ncpublicshcools.org

Amazon  www.amazon.com

The Big 6  www.big6.com/showarticle.php?d=89

Seamon, Mary Ploski and Levitt, Eric J.  Web-Based Learning:  A Practical Guide.  Worthington, Ohio:  Linworth, 2001.

Webquest and Pathfinders Compiled by:

April Miller, Carolyn Mann, and Teresa Carpenter