Benjamin Logan Middle School sixth-graders participated in an interactive and team-building event to culminate the end of their school year — a simulated Iditarod well known at Benjamin Logan as the “Ikidarod.”
Over the years, this simulation of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has become a tradition and a memorable event for students and staff.
Students take on a variety of roles in the simulation, from mushers to veterinarians, race volunteers, dogs, or even act as obstacles that the team may meet along the race trail, such as wild animals or storms.
The “dogs” pull their Iditarod sleds, which can be any device that a group of students can pull along the race trail.
“It was a perfect day for the race,” BLMS teacher Gretchen Powell said. “The students were beyond excited while waiting for their turn. As they crossed the finish line, the 18 teams were exhausted, but they really enjoyed the experience.
“Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered, donated food and drinks and cheered the teams on.”
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. In many ways the students develop an “emotional connection” to the curriculum while being involved in Iditarod projects.
The many hours and passionate ideas shared by the students while preparing for the Ikidarod make a lasting impression on the participants that they carry with them into their future endeavors.
Parent Jackie Cline shared, “Autumn and her classmates participated in the Ikidarod today…They decorated their sled, designed their cheers and even had to cross the marshland creek unexpectedly. In the end, they had to prove they kept their raw egg safe and hopefully got the best time. It was fun helping them along the way plan for this event.”