|
|
|
Dream A Dream--Reach a Goal
Iditarod Webquest
by: Dennis Buccola
|
|
|
Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Rubric | Iditarod in the Classroom | Iditarod Scavenger Hunt |
This webquest will take you on a journey to the "Last Great Race on Earth." The Iditarod is the famous dog sled race that takes place in Alaska, beginning on the first Saturday of March. This will be a web adventure soon not to be forgotten.
Your class is going to learn as much as they can about the race, Alaska, and the people who live there. The class will be acting as a TV news team to gather information. There will be 5 groups of reporters. Each one will cover on of the following topics: history, geography, art and culture, math and science. A final newscast will be recorded showing the results of your quest.
Historians:
1. You will need to know some of the history of the Iditarod. To help you, here is an Iditarod Scavenger Hunt.
2. What are you going to tell the public when they ask about the mushers? You will need to read at least 3 diaries entries and 3 biographies of the mushers of your choice. Write down everything you learn about these successful mushers. What makes them a success? How do they prepare for a race?
Geography Reporters:
1. It will be important to learn about the area you will be visiting. Is it mountainous, flat or rough?
2. You may want to find some other interesting sites such as national parks or landmarks from the state of Alaska.
Art and Cultural Reporters:
1. Alaskan culture is somewhat different than that found in the rest of the United States because of the cold climate, the distance from the other states, and the influence of the native people. Your group should investigate the Native tribes found there and their customs.
2. Art work is an important part of any culture. Find some of the art work done by the Native people who live there. Download pictures and save them on a disk for later usage in a MultiMedia presentation.
Math Reporters:
1.We know how much preparation goes into the race for the racers. There are so many details. You tell your audience how much food it takes at each checkpoint to feed the dogs. Write a short word problem on how to figure out how much food is required for the dogs at each point. How will you demonstrate this during the final presentation?
2. You will be able to fill out a chart using the information on the mushers for the year 2002.
Science Reporters:
1. The Aurora Borealis are a beautiful phenomena that are highly visible in the Alaskan night sky. Learn about the "Northern Lights" also known as the Aurora Borealis. Write down as much information as you can, an download pictures of it and save on a disk for later usage.
Links for the Historians:
Links for Geography Reporters:
Links for Art and Cultural Reporters:
Math Reporters: 1. Print out and complete this chart using the information found on the mushers from the 2002 race.
Science Reporters:
Learn more about the Northern Lights at the following sites.
Now you are ready to begin your quest. A few more directions should get you on your way. Even though your tasks are different, these directions apply to all. Each member of the group will be assigned a job. Below are the jobs and their descriptions. After reading through the jobs, assign each member one of them.
Director/Camera Person: This person is responsible for filming the final presentation of the live newscast.
Reporter: The reporter can best be described as the spokesman or newscaster of your group. Others may be part of your presentation, but you need a spokesman who presents your oral information.
Computer Operator: The computer operator is responsible for taking the group through the quest. Choose the person in your group that is the most comfortable operating a computer.
Note taker: The note taker is responsible for recording all the data gathered throughout the research needed to fulfill your task.
REMEMBER! You are a team. To successfully complete your tasks, all of you must participate. Collaboration is the key to your success as a group. Collaboration means TO WORK TOGETHER by sharing ideas.
