Benjamin Logan Middle School sixth-graders participate in an interactive and team-building event to culminate their school year each year — a simulated Idiarod called the IKidARod — that is a memorable time for participants.
Students take on a variety of roles in the simulation, from mushers to veterinarians, race volunteers, dogs, or even challenges that team meets along the race trail, such as wild animals or storms.
The “dogs” pull Iditarod sleds, which can be any device that a group of students can pull along the race trail.
Instructors said that the students developed an “emotional connection” to their curriculum while being involved in Iditarod projects.
Participants are eager to demonstrate the learning they’ve achieved through math, science, or other content areas that has come directly from the curriculum’s Iditarod-themed lessons.
The many hours and passionate ideas compiling by the students while preparing for the IKidARod make a lasting impression on the pupils that they carry with them into their future endeavors.
“I saw some high school seniors today as I was setting up the course that told me they still remembered running the Ikidarod and how much fun it was,” teacher Kevin Penwell said.