Iditarod Challenge (Kmz file)

Objectives

1. •Calculate time using the distance formula
   

2. •Convert elapsed time between decimal and minutes
   

3. •Adding elapsed time
   

Lesson Description

In this version of the legendary race, students get to mush a team of sled dogs 1049 miles across Alaska from the comfort of their computers.  Using the distance formula and data found in the Iditarod Challenge Google Earth file, each student will calculate the time it takes for them to reach each of the 22 race checkpoints.  A set of Iditarod Fortune cards will personalize triumphs or tragedies along the way as each racer’s speeds increase or decrease.  Conversions between time in decimal hours to hours and minutes will be needed, as well as adding on elapsed time.  The included Master Iditarod Time Sheet will help the teacher keep track of students’ times and to check their work. 

The activity is intended as a long term assignment that requires only 10 minutes each class time, but lesson extensions can make this an extensive project-based learning experience.  The Google Earth file contains several dozen links to experts of the race in online web content.  This information is incorporated in an Iditarod WebQuest that guides students to answers on topics such as The Anatomy of a Sled Dog Team and The Iditarod Air Force.

This project could also be turned into a spreadsheet activity where students manage or construct a spreadsheet to keep track of their times.  Use your imagination and your colleagues, and you can come up with many cross-curricular lessons.

See you in Nome!

Downloads:

The Iditarod Challenge.kmz - Google Earth Kmz

Iditarod Challenge – Teacher Notes.doc - Word doc

Iditarod Checkpoint Sheet.doc - Word doc version

Iditarod Checkpoint Sheet.xls - Excel version

Iditarod Checkpoint Sheet sample.doc - Word doc

Master Iditarod Time Sheet.xls - Excel xls

Iditarod Fortune Cards.doc - Word doc

IDITAROD WebQuest Question Sheet.doc - Word doc

IDITAROD WebQuest Answer Sheet.doc - Word doc

Special thanks to Ultimate Iditarod.com and Iditarod.com: The Official Site of the Iditarod for the wealth of information and inspiration these sites provide.  Both sites contain a ton of material for teachers.  If you want to learn more about the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, then these two sites are definitely the place to start.

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