Iditarod Race

Students learn the science of snowshoes and how to make snowshoes in an emergency. Students will discover how snowshoes work and why they may be necessary. Students will calculate surface area. Subject: Science and Math Grade Level: Grades 5-8, H.S. Physics (extension), and grades 2-4 (extensions) Aligned to Standards.

Students will first hypothesize how the mountains in Alaska were formed. Students will research the mountains and categorize them by their origin, volcanic eruption or plate tectonics. Students will then create a spreadsheet using EXCEL to compare the mountains origins. Science: (Grade 4 and up)

Students weigh themselves regularly before daily running activity, run 30 minutes (on top of stretching and warm-up activities) and weigh again immediately after running. Students read about the need for hydration for optimum muscle functioning and brain activity. Students also learn about the 60-20-20 ratio for caloric intake for physical activity (carbs-fats-protein) then design and prepare high quality pre-run meals.

Students use problem-based learning strategies to calculate dog food quantities necessary to supply the calories required for each food drop along the Iditarod Trail according to a race plan and run/rest schedule determined by an Iditarod musher. This lesson was designed for grades 9 – 12 but can be used at other grade levels.

An Idita-Walk is a fun way to improve your health and keep physically fit. It involves creating a walking program and using the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® as the theme or inspiration for the exercise program. An Idita Walk is a project that children and adults can participate in to not just be healthier but hopefully help create healthy living habits.

An homage to the Iditarod race by Alaska singer-songwriter Buddy Tabor from the 1984 album Alaska Hit Singles.

Iditarod-themed lesson plan ideas and resource materials.

Teacher Kim Slade and Nikolai student Phil explain and demonstrate the "One Small Square" Lesson Idea.

Herb Brambley explains what the Target Teacher on the Trail program is all about.

What's in the News: A Summary of Iditarod Education Projects

A project to inspire students to develop literacy skills and to develop healthy reading habits!

Mini Units for Integrating the Iditarod into Classroom Instruction.

Weather related science and math activities, applicable for all grade levels.

Iditarod Activity Book 2 contains standards driven curriculum lessons in math, science, language arts, social studies, and other areas of study.

Iditarod Activity Book 3 contains Standards driven curriculum lessons in all content areas, applicable to most grade levels.

An overview of how the Iditarod Education Department assists teachers in integrating the race into their lesson plans.