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Iditarod

Sleds, dogs, freezing cold, danger, and a big race, there's a lot to learn about the Iditarod!

• Teachers: Many teachers have taken up the racing call, and feature the Iditarod as a theme for driving curriculum in all the subject areas. Encourage your students to investigate and follow the race either individually or as a class-based project.
• Parents: If you have never followed the Iditarod, you and your child have some excitement ahead. Help you child learn about geography, math, science and the spirit of teamwork!

Indiana Academic Standards
English/Language Arts

Standard 4: Writing Process/Research and Technology

English/Language Arts

Standard 7: Listening and Speaking

Social Studies

Standard 5: Individuals, Society, and Culture

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

visit this site
The official site for the Iditarod race, you can find helpful information about this winter event.

Suggested Activities for Students

1. Select the General Information link.
   1. Research the history of the Iditarod.
   2. Examine the trails and maps.
   3. Discover the race rules and policies
2. Visit "Teachers and Students" link then visit "Zuma's Paw Prints" for a newsletter written just for you, which explains the Iditarod event.

Tips for Teachers

1. Discover how you can order material about this annual event.
2. Preview the links and establish specific student goals that relate to state academic standards.

Tips for Parents

The Iditarod is a wonderful opportunity for reviewing basic math, measurement, reading and writing skills. After learning about the mushers, why not pick one to follow throughout the race? Mapping progress on a map is great practice for geography!

Additional Dog Activities

Cabela's Iditarod Education Expedition

An activity center designed for students, teachers, and parents who wish to learn more about the Iditarod Trail race and have lots of fun too. visit this site

Switch Zoo

Switch the animals' heads, legs and tails to make new creatures at this silly virtual zoo. Includes lesson plans for teachers. visit this site

KC's Dog Postcards

By selecting the "other working dogs" link you will find a Siberian Husky photo or you may send a postcard. visit this site

Animal Land

This is site, provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is for animal lovers. Play games, read stories, explore animal jobs, learn to properly care for pets, and much more. visit this site

Suggested Activity for Students

Think about the role that animals play in our lives. What resources are there in your community to care for and protect pets and wild animals? Find out how you can volunteer to help them continue their work.

Tips for Teachers

The care and treatment of animals is a great way to get kids thinking about nutrition. Have students research various animals' dietary needs, compare and contrast them to the nutritional needs of students their age.

Tips for Parents

Owning a pet is hard work and requires great commitment. As you learn about the Iditarod and animal needs, discuss the responsibility and dedication the mushers must place on the emotional and physical needs of the dogs. Compare and contrast the musher's role to that of a family pet owner.

Buddy² Resource Links

Visit additional resources that are on our site as you develop your Iditarod thematic unit:

Dog Backpacks
Iditarod Lesson Plans