Your Journey of Discovery - Albuquerque Public Schools

Your Journey of Discovery
Your Journey of Discovery:
The Iditarod
Your task is to create a folder for you to use as
you travel to Alaska and take part in the race. It
will include a map, historical and biographical
information on mushers. You will follow a musher
throughout the race and record his/her progress.
So, put on your muk luks and get ready to
participate in The Last Great Race!
THE PROCESS
This project will take several weeks to complete,
just like the race. It is designed to encourage you
to work in an organized and productive way. You
will do online research and library research. Some
parts of your Iditarod folder may be done in class.
If you need additional computer time, our lab is
open before school. You may also use your
computer at home or at the public library. As well
as being online, CDs on this web quest are also
available for overnight checkout.
You should keep the Iditarod packet given to you
in your folder. Refer to the checklist to make sure
all tasks are complete and, remember, items on
your checklist do not need to be done in the order
listed. If you get stuck on one item--move on! If
you find a topic that is absolutely fascinating to
you but it is not on the required list, you may
substitute your newfound interest for a section--let
me know what you're replacing.
Each student must create his/her own unique
Iditarod folder.
SCHEDULE
March 5, 2005--The Race Begins
(Official Restart Sunday, March 6)
March 21-25--Spring Break
April 6 --FOLDERS DUE
Many thanks to Cindy Huffstodt for so
patiently guiding me through the technical
problems of building a web quest. Thanks also
to Debbie Gambles for her encouragement and
support.
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/index.htm [11/18/2004 8:36:42 AM]
Puppies, Dogs...
Page 3
Puppies, Dogs, & Blue Northers
Paper
11. Create a newsletter about mushing. Use a
computer to create a masthead and three column
format.
12. Write the "Top Ten Reasons to Race in the
Iditarod" and the "Top Ten Rules for Mushers."
Complement the text with graphics.
13. Write a short story about YOU as a musher in the
Iditarod.
14. Write a letter to a real musher. Ask any questions
you might have about preparing for the race,
maintaining a dog team, etc. Address an envelope and
be prepared to send your letter.
AND...
write a response paper
for Puppies, Dogs, & Blue Northers
Gary Paulsen
By
Choose ONE activity from the choices listed below. All
response papers should be one page (approximately
three paragraphs in length). Follow all established
guidelines and remember to use the Six Traits of
Writing as you compose your paper.
1. Discuss the happiest and saddest moments in the
book. Please be specific in describing the incidents
you use to support your opinion.
2. Write a letter
to the author expressing your views of the
story.
3. Compare
the life style of the author to your family's life
style.
4. Write a poem or
rap (20 lines minimum) about the book, or several
incidents from the book.
5. Make a crossword
puzzle about the book. Include at least 20 words in
your crossword with appropriate clues for "down" and
"across." Include an answer
sheet.
6. Write a one
page response to the following: In some incidents the
older dogs teach pups the rules and customs of dog
life, while other times the pups learn behavior on their
own. What do the older dogs teach the puppies, and
what do the puppies learn on their own? Which
method of learning do you think is most effective?
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_3.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:03 AM]
Response
Useful Links
Page 4
Useful Links
The following web site addresses will help you find information to complete the requirements of your project. Be
sure to read carefully, and look for links to other useful sites. Don't overlook search engines, too: Google,
Dogpile, Yahoo, etc.
http://www.iditarod.com The official site of the Iditarod:
contains race updates, race rules, musher biographies, trail
information, historical facts of the race
http://iditarodairforce.com Aerial photos of the trail, contains
some wonderful graphics of the race and Alaska
http://www.newslink.org/aknews.html Links to Alaskan
newspapers
http://www.state.ak.us/ Official web page for the state of Alaska
http://weather.com/ The Weather Channel: temperature,
averages, etc. from cities around the world
http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/dogs.html Cabela's commercial
web site: information about maintenance of a sled dog, including diet,
as well as race rules, weather, and dog sledding
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_4.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:06 AM]
Useful Links
Page 5
Useful Links
RESEARCH TIP:
The Iditarod Dog Sled Race is the premiere race for
mushers around the world. Many individuals, including
the mushers themselves, maintain web sites. As with
all resources, both print and electronic, be sure to
evaluate the quality and reliability of the source.
http://lcweb.loc.gov/global/state/ak-gov.html
The Library of Congress Internet resource page on
Alaska: links to state and local government, the
Iditarod, and the Alaska Volcano Observatory
http://www.designperfect.com/iditarod
"The source for everything about the Iditarod and
more: the race, equipment, awards, sled dogs, history
with links to Alaska science
http://www.dogsled.com
Their motto: "All the adventure, none of the frostbite,"
contains dog sledding information
http://encarta.msn.com
on the native people of Alaska
Information
http://www.geo.mtu.edu/weather/aurora/
The
Aurora Page: links and images about the Northern
Lights
http://www.ooowoo.com/
How to build a sled
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_5.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:09 AM]
Useful Links
Page 6
Useful Links
http://home.alaska.net General information on the race including
details on the Red Lantern, facts and figures, and Iditarod highlights
http://helpsleddogs.org Organizations opposed to the Iditarod Dog
Sled Race alleging cruelty to the animals
http://sunhusky.com/Facts/
"The Iditarod: Fact not Fiction" is an essay on the dogsled debate
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space.frontiers/riddles.html NASAQuest-female frontiers: the story of the first female to win the Iditarod
http://2grand-forks.k12.nd.us/iditarod/alaskainuit.html
Lots
of information on Alaska, literature related to Alaska, Inuit recipes, and
more
http://nationalgeographic.com/greatland/
National Geographic site--wildlife, history, people
http://www.anchorage.ak.blm.gov/inht3.html
Iditarod national historic trail with good photos
http://eob.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Earth Observatory by NASA contains some aerial shots of Alaska
http://www.alaskool.org/language/languageindex.htm
map of Alaskan languages
http://www.uaf.edu/anlc/expressions.html
Curious how to say hello in native Alaskan Languages?
http://wwwnsidc.colorado.edu/cryosphere/glance/index.html
Sea Ice maps: see the area covered by sea ice
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_6.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:13 AM]
Related Books
Page 7
Related Books
Books are another great way to experience the
challenge of the Iditarod. The books listed below
are available at the official Iditarod web site or the
library; they are just a few of the many fine books
written about the Iditarod.
Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers
by
Gary Paulsen
This story
about Paulsen and his sled dogs tells of puppies
who will one day become sled dogs. It is a tender,
caring, and sometimes gross story!
Race Across Alaska by Libby Riddles
The
story of Riddles' daring and courage in winning the
1985 Iditarod is sure to capture the interest of any
adventurer!
Iditarod's Classics by Lew Freedman
This
collection of stories by the men and women who
have faced the challenge of racing in the world's
toughest race is thrilling!
Balto by Natalie Staniford
A
dog named Balto became famous for his role in the
1925 serum run to save the people of Nome.
Back of the Pack by Don Bowers
In a
race where just finishing is quite a feat, this story
highlights the experiences at the back of the field.
Black Star, Bright Dawn by Scott O'Dell
This tale follows the adventures of a young girl who
takes her father's place in the Iditarod.
Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the
Iditarod* by Gary Paulsen
Written
for mature audiences, it is an honest description of
Paulsen's life-changing experiences in the Iditarod.
*While some language and incidents may not be
suitable for children, this book is also one of the
most humorous tales written about the race.
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_7.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:16 AM]
Discovery Tasks 1-3
Page 8
Discovery Tasks
Sections 1-3
Each section requires you to answer a series of
questions. All writing should follow formal writing
guidelines and paragraph format. Graphics may be
drawn, traced, clip art, or may be images from the
Internet.
Be sure all pages are numbered in the bottom right-hand
corner: refer to your checklist and folder requirements.
Cover: Cover page must be colored and decorated and
include your name, a title.
1. Geography:
a. map of Alaska should label the towns on this year's race route
and the following geographical features
●
●
●
●
Norton Sound
Bering Sea
Yukon River
Mt. McKinley
a. a paragraph on three natural resources and five types of
wildlife that can be found in Alaska
b. one paragraph about the aurora borealis
c. at least two graphics supporting your paragraphs
d. go to page 10 of this web quest and take the Iditarod Hunt
quiz; teacher or parent initials required upon completion of quiz
3. Alaskan History
a. one paragraph on the original inhabitants of Alaska
b. a summary about the original use of the Iditarod Trail
c. one paragraph about the Great Serum Run of 1925. Include
information about diphtheria--what is the cause, what are the
symptoms, and what is the cure? RESEARCH TIP: use a reliable
search engine
d. at least two graphics supporting your paragraphs
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_8.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:18 AM]
Discovery Tasks 4-7
Page 9
Discovery Tasks
Sections 4-7
4. THE SLED/THE GEAR
a. Draw or trace a typical sled and label all the important
parts
b. According to the official rules, what pieces of equipment
are required on each sled?
c. In one paragraph, tell the three pieces of equipment you
think are the most important to pack on the sled (and why).
5. THE MODERN RACE
a. Write a paragraph that includes the following
information:
--what was the reason for creating the Iditarod dog sled race
--why the race alternates between a northern and southern
route every other year
b. At least two graphics must support this section.
6. THE DOGS
a. write one paragraph that includes information on the
following:
--maximum number of dogs with which a musher can start the
race
--minimum number of dogs with which a musher can finish the
race
--the amount of food one dog eats during a 10 day Iditarod,
and what happens if a dog becomes sick or injured during the
race
b. Look at sites that oppose the Iditarod dog sled race
because they consider it cruel. Write a paragraph telling
whether you agree or disagree with their assertions, and why
you agree or disagree.
c. Include at least two graphics to support this section.
7. OFFICIAL RACE RULES
Using a graphic (picture, graph, or chart) accompanied by a
brief caption, show the following:
a. a bib and why it is important to the mushers
b. the "Good Samaritan Rule"
c. caption describing the policy regarding moose attacks
d. the Red Lantern and caption of its significance
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
file:///F|/myweb3/page_9.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:22 AM]
anderson_dn@aps.edu
Discovery Tasks 8-16
Page 10
Discovery Tasks
Sections 8-16
8. This Year's Race
a. Create a bar graph on the computer using different
colors to show the following:
total number of women/men
total number of rookies/veterans
total
number of mushers
RESEARCH
TIP: You will find a chart with this information at the bottom of the
2004 mushers alphabetical listing on Iditarod.com
b. Each student will choose a musher before the race
begins. Write a biographical paragraph of your musher
with a photo (if available). You may also include sponsors
of your musher.
c. Fill in the Musher Daily Statistics form for your musher.
(form provided in Iditarod packet)
10. Dog Math
12. Mushing Lingo crossword puzzle
13. Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers response paper
(See Choices Section, page 3)
14. Iditarod Activity (See Choices Section, page 2)
15. Fill Me In On the Iditarod
16. Iditarod Word Search
Photos from the following sites:
Travel Maniac.com (Karen French)
Free Stock Photos.com
Trails of Anchorage.com
Webshots.com
Iditarod.com
npwrc.ds.gov
www.turtlepuddle.org
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_10.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:24 AM]
Iditarod Quiz
Page 11
Iditarod Hunt Quiz
Take the following quiz and see how much you've learned!
1. What is the final checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail?
Ophir
b. Rainy Pass
c. Nome
d. Alberta
a.
2. Name the first woman to win the Iditarod.
Libby Riddles
b. Dee Dee Jonrowe
Sandra Day O'Connor
d. Mia Hamm
a.
c.
3. Who is known as the "father of the Iditarod?
Charlie Boulding
b. Rick Swenson
Franklin Roosevelt
d. Joe Redington, Sr.
a.
c.
4. Name the well-known lead dog in the 1925 Serum Run.
a. Fosdick
b. Buster
c. Lassie
d. Balto
5. At what checkpoint do the "even" and "odd" years take different
routes?
Ophir
b. Unalakleet c. Roswell
d. Anchorage
a.
6. At what checkpoint does the race usually restart?
Knik
b. Wasilla c. Takotna
d. Coast Mountains
a.
7. When was the first Iditarod race held?
1952
b. 1869
c. 1985
d. 1973
a.
8. What does the command "Gee" mean?
turn right b. stop c. oh, gosh
d. go forward
a.
9. What musher won the Iditarod by one second?
Dick Mackey b. Rick Swenson
Lynda Plettner d. none of the above
a.
c.
10. What is the prize given to the last musher to finish the race?
a. fur mittens
b. red lantern
ptarmigan feathers
d. a handshake
c.
To contact Debi NagyAnderson: anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_11.htm [11/18/2004 8:37:27 AM]
Iditarod Activities
Page 2
Iditarod Activities
As part of your Iditarod folder, you will have an Iditarod
project and a response paper for Puppies, Dogs, & Blue
Northers.
Choose one of the following activities for your Iditarod project,
(checklist item #14) and include it in your folder. Follow all writing
guidelines established by your teacher. Remember the Six Traits of
Writing as you compose.
1. Pretend that you are going to be a musher in the next Iditarod. Write
a one page biography about yourself that will appear on the Iditarod
website. Include graphics as well as a list of your sponsors.
2. Write a song about the Iditarod, OR write and sing your version of
"Mushing Through the Snow." You can make an audio tape or CD of
your new hit!
3. Pretend that you are a sports reporter for a local newspaper. Write a
feature article about the upcoming start of the race. Be sure to explain
the race thoroughly for readers who do not know about it. Don't forget
the "5W's and H" of journalistic reporting.
4. Imagine that you are a dog in a musher's kennel and you do not get
chosen to run in the Iditarod. Write a story telling your musher how you
feel, and include a letter to your musher.
5. Vets examine the dogs at checkpoints to be sure that they are in
good physical condition during the race. Make a list of the things that
you would look for if you were a vet and tell why you would look for
these things. Why are each of these things important?
6. Make a weather graph. Record the temperature for Albuquerque
and for Nome over the next several weeks. Answer the questions on
the weather graph handout and make a line graph contrasting the
temperatures of these two locations. Then in a short essay discuss
how geographical features and latitude influence the weather.
7. Make a dog sled using wood strips (or Popsicle sticks) and other
appropriate materials. It should look authentic. Include a paragraph on
the process you used to create your dog sled.
8. Create two five-panel comic strips about an imaginary lead dog. Use
cartoon "bubbles" to show what the characters are saying and thinking.
9. Write a paper describing the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis and
tell why it occurs. OR write a report on a topic relating to mushing,
Alaska, animals of Alaska, or glaciers. Clear your topic with the
teacher before you begin.
10. Make "doggie biscuits" using the recipes available from your
teacher. After making the treats, write a paragraph telling how long it
took and your dog's reactions to your baking creation.
To contact Debi Nagy-Anderson:
anderson_dn@aps.edu
file:///F|/myweb3/page_2.htm [11/18/2004 8:38:05 AM]