Beginning the Iditarod Unit Journey

On February 9th, students in one of my 1st grade class extended their Iditarod Unit by having this year's Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, Erin Montgomery, talk to them before she gets ready to embark on the race. One of the many responsibilities Erin has for being teacher on the trail is to follow the Iditarod race via bush plane. For this connection, she talked to them about the dogs that go on the trail and how they are trained. She was able to share pictures and video. The kids were also able to ask her questions such as if she had ever been to Alaska before, and who is her favorite musher.

During the continuation of this unit, students use reading, mapping, and math skills to find out about different parts of the race, the dogs, where the racers are at, what the trail looks like, what life is like on the trail, and how long the race may takes. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race™ as a teaching tool in the classroom captures students’ interest and maintains that interest so that the teacher has the opportunity to teach skills and objectives to engaged students.

During her time on the race, Erin will try to find a time to call into the classroom and talk to the kids too. We don’t know when it will happen because being out in the wilderness of Alaska will make this a last minute opportunity.

After the race is complete, Erin will connect with the kids to answer questions they may have and share her experiences, as well as pictures and/or videos. 

http://itcteacheronthetrail.com/2014/11/17/skype-with-me/

NASA Visits Again!

Once again, NASA has made a virtual visit to Roosevelt Elementary.  The third grade challenge classroom spoke with Rachel Powers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Ms. Powers talked to the kids about our solar neighborhood.  

She shared about what it takes to be a planet, what each planet is made of, and about the dwarf planets that our known in our solar system.  The kids had a plethora of questions and Ms. Powers was happy to answer as many as possible.  

They learned about the new space telescope called the James Webb Space Telescope 2017 and were able to see pictures.  

The kids asked more about the dwarf planet Pluto and learned that New Horizons spacecraft that will be arriving at Pluto in July 2015.  This will be the first time anyone will be able to see quality pictures of Pluto.  

Overall, the kids learned some mind-blowing facts about our Solar System and are looking forward to talking to NASA again about the moon and the sun!