Supplemental Learning Resources

These links provide learning activities and information about the Iditarod, along with other topics related to Alaska, the Arctic, and lesson ideas.

Iditarod & Mushing | Geography, Mapping & Climate
Science & Technology | Social Studies | Art | Miscellaneous

Also, check out musher Book Reviews and Staff Picks for books covering various subjects and topics.

Iditarod & Mushing Links

• Official Site of The Iditarod
• Learn About the Iditarod
• Iditarod History
• Iditarod Media Guide — includes descriptions of the checkpoints, trail legs & musher profiles
• Mushing Terminology
• Iditarod's section For Teachers
• PBS: Sled Dogs — An Alaskan Epic
  A look at the sled dog, the history of the Iditarod, and the real life story of Balto and the race to save lives threatened by a diptheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska.
• The Iditarod: An Interactive Unit Study Outline
  Many good activity ideas and additional links to information.
• EducationWorld: Iditarod Lesson Planning
  Various activities that can be customized for all grade levels.

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Geography, Mapping & Climate

• Alaska Studies
  Especially check out the Maps section.
• Arctic Climate & Meteorology Primer
• Alaska Climate Summaries
  Compare and contrast climate trends.
• Arctic Map & Current Weather Reports
• GeoKids: Geography for Kids
  Read about the Earth in the Geography Online section and play some mapping games in the Geogaphy Games section. The Latitude and Longitude Map Match Game is especially good.
• National Geographic: Xpeditions
  Lesson plans and activities for exploring geography through mapping skills.
• PBS/NOVA: The Search for Longitude
  Play the two interactivities — Find Your Longitude, to understand why having a precise timepiece (known as a chronometer) helps you determine your longitude, and compare that with how GPS: The New Navigation works.

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Science & Technology

• All About Glaciers
• Arctic — A Friend Acting Strangely
  This Smithsonian Museum online exhibit explores how the Arctic's climate is changing and how that affects the people and animals who live there.
• Auroras: Paintings in the Sky
  Get an overview of the science behind the Aurora borealis.
• Auroras Forecast
  Explore this prediction site at the University of Alaska to get an idea of how scientists measure the conditions that can produce these natural beauties.
• Aurora Borealis Photo Gallery — Nome, Alaska
• Arctic Wildlife Portfolio
  Grouped by Birds, Mammals, and Sea Mammals.
• Wild-eyed Alaska
  Includes video clips of animals.
• Funtastic Facts about Alaska's Wildlife
• Alaska: A Bird's Eye View
  Join Tutangiaq, the Canada goose, and explore Alaska from a unique perspective. Find out information on changing climate patterns, history in Alaska and much more. This site uses satellite imagery to illustrate volcanic eruptions and includes a compilation of online resources.
• Virtual Field Trip: Climbing Denali
  Explore Denali — the tallest mountain in North America, learning about geology, ice science, and more! When you click Virtual Visit, it will ask for a Trip Password - just bypass that and click the Virtual Visit icon again (on that page) to start the field trip.
• Virtual Field Trip: Mammals of Denali
  Learn about some of the ways in which animals here have adapated to living in this subarctic climate. When you click Virtual Visit, it will ask for a Trip Password - just bypass that and click the Virtual Visit icon again (on that page) to start the field trip.
• Minerals Management Service: Kids' Corner — Short Subjects
  Includes information about crude oil, oil rigs, Alaska's volcanoes, etc.
• PBS: The Alaska Pipeline
• PBS: Building the Alaska Highway
• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)

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Social Studies

• Alaska's Digital Archives
  Provides great primary source materials for exploring Alaskan history and cultures.
• The Story of Alaska's Flag
• The People of Whaling
  This is an excellent photo exhibit giving an insider's view of the whaling culture of the Inupiat people.
• Crossroads of Continents
  Explore this museum exhibit to learn more about Siberian-Alaskan peoples & history.
• North Slope Barrow
  Explore the different Native Alaska Villages located along the northern coastline.
• Looking Both Ways
  Heritage and Identity of the Alutiiq People of Southern Alaska
• Alaska's Gold

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Fine Arts

• Totems
  Art and culture related to Alaskan Totem poles. Compare these to cultural arts of other Alaska Native groups. When you click Virtual Visit, it will ask for a Trip Password — just bypass that and click the Virtual Visit icon again (on that page) to start the field trip.
• Yup'ik Masks
  Explore the art, history, and cultural importance of these ceremonial masks.
• Northern Journeys

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Miscellaneous Links

• Wumpa's World
  A very interactive Web-based game designed for children ages 3 to 5. Create your own fish and save a baby whale. Paddle your kayak through the ice floes and catch fish through a hole in the ice. Play matching games with a seal. Paint with a polar bear. These are just a few of the activities offered on Wumpas World. If the animation pauses, click around to move forward again. Audio speakers required.

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