Iditarod Webquest
This webquest is an interactive, cross curricular project designed for children to work in cooperative groups to accomplish a number of tasks. It makes use of the Internet in concert with Language Arts, Math, Science, and Michigan History objectives. Approximate completion time is 2-3 weeks.
This webquest updated February 2007
Introduction
It is time once again for the family vacation. It seems "yucky" enough to have to spend the next several weeks with your younger brother and sister, but now Mom and Dad have the left the trip planning up to you! The only catch is that it must be an educational trip. Spring is coming, but it won't be here for awhile, so where do you go this time of year? You have heard of this sled dog race in Alaska, the Iditarod. You don't really know that much about it, but you have heard it called "The Last Great Race". Sounds kind of cool. So, check it out and get ready to present your case to the family in a couple of weeks.
Task
To convince the family that Alaska is the best place to go on your vacation your class has decided to help you learn as much as possible about the race, Alaska, and the people that live there. To make it as fun as possible, the class will act as a TV news team to gather information. There will be 5 groups of reporters. Each one will cover one of the following topics: History, Art & Culture, Math, Geography, and Science. We will be taping a live newscast in case your parents won't be able to make it.
History Reporters
You will need to know some history of the Iditarod. To help you with this there are several questions that you will need to answer before preparing your project.
What are you going to tell your parents when they ask about the mushers? You will need to read about at least 3 biographies of the mushers in this year's race. Write down everything you learn about these successful mushers. What makes them successful? How do they prepare for a race? Create a collage of information that describes the characteristics of a successful musher.
Geography Reporters
It will also be important for you to know about the area you will be visiting. Is it mountainous, flat, or rough? You will design a template and create a 3D Graphic Relief Salt Map that marks the journey you will be taking following the Iditarod Race Course. Be prepared to tell Mom and Dad the correct terms used for the type of land you will be traveling through.
You might want to visit other areas of Alaska while there. Find some interesting sites on the Internet such as National Parks or landmarks your family might like to see.
Art and Cultural Reporters
Alaskan culture is very different from the rest of the United States. The climate, distance, and influence of Native Americans create a unique blend. Prepare a skit with costumes to present information you have gathered on Alaskan Culture. Find a food Alaska is known for to include in the program that your teacher will make to have the audience sample.
Art work is also an important part of any culture and you will making a birch bark basket from the Athabascan Indians to show your parents the beauty of these people.
Math Reporters
We know that an awful lot of preparation must go into the race for these mushers and their dogs. We want to show parents how much food and supplies it takes at each checkpoint to feed the dogs. You will need to write a short story problem to figure out how much food is required for the dogs at each point. You will need to research weather, food requirements, and distances between checkpoints to accomplish your task.
You want to show your parents that you have used many skills in your studies of the Iditarod. Find the times and distances for 4 mushers of your choice and calculate the amount of time it would take to travel between 3 checkpoints of your choice. Use the information to make a bar graph comparing the speeds of the mushers.
Science Reporters
The Aurora Borealis are a beautiful sight that you have seen once or twice here in Michigan. They are even more visible in the Alaskan night sky. Learn about the "Northern Lights" and do a science activity to show the effects these lights make.
A compass is a useful tool on any vacation. What is the difference between the magnetic north pole and the true north pole? Find and create an demonstration to show this.
Resources
Here are a few links to sites for each group just to get you started. These have good information, but don't be afraid to take off on your own and find some more. Remember, the key to this project is imagination. Good luck.
History
Geography
Art & Cultural
Math
Trails, Checkpoints, & Distances
Food, Supplies, and Requirements
More Food, Supplies, and Requirements
Science
The Process
Now you are ready to begin your quest. A few more directions should get on your way. Even though your tasks are different, these directions apply to all. Each group has about 5 members, and each person will have an assigned job. Below are a list of suggested jobs that have worked well for us in the past.
Camera Operator: This person is responsible for filming the groups work. This can be digital prints. The final video will be shot by Mrs. Lanning
Reporter: The reporter can best be described as the spokesman or newscaster for the group. Others may be part of the presentation, but you need a spokesperson who presents your final project.
Computer Operator: This is actually everyone for your basic research. If a computer is needed for the final presentation, then assign one person.
Note Taker: The note taker is responsible for recording all data gathered throughout the research needed to fulfill your task. Again, this is everyone.
Remember: you are trying to convince your parents to take you to Alaska! Be creative with your presentations.
Use eye appealing visuals along with your oral information.
Share information that was interesting to you! Chances are, if it was interesting to you, it will be interesting to your parents, too.
All parents enjoy watching their children in school activities. You've already captured their attention! So take advantage of your interested audience.
Evaluation
Your presentation will be graded by yourselves and your teacher using a rubric. Look it over carefully so you know what is expected of you and your team. This will be a group project, so pull together and make your parents proud of you.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you have just become an expert on the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and Alaska. You have used your knowledge of the race, it's history, and information about the state of Alaska and it's people. You accomplished this through your knowledge of Math, Science, Language Arts, Michigan History, and excellent use of the Internet as a resource. This may be just a vacation, but it is sure to be an adventure no one would want to miss.
