Create a Trail Assignment

[salgal80]

So, you've read the article about teachers collaborating as a team! Great!
Feel free to leave your comments about the Create-a-Trail Assignment.
What seemed successful? If you were to teach it, what would you change? etc.
I look forward to your input! And, thanks in advance!
Sally
P.S. If you haven't read the article yet, you can find it in the "For Teachers" section. Post date 12/16, or search the site for Sally Simon and it should show up.
(Also, pictures of student work--"exhibits 1-4"--are coming soon)!

[SissyG]

Thanks for the create-a-trail assignment article, Sally.
I enjoyed reading it and think it sounds like a great real life activity. It is hard to tell, but it seems like since you only see your students once a week, that might have affected the outcome. Maybe all of the students didn't take it seriously?
Anyway, it seems like you thought alot about the outcome yourself and have some good changes for the next time you do the assignment.
I really don't have any better suggestions for you. But will tell you how I plan to change the assignment for my class.
I teach 4th grade in Maine and we already did mapping in the fall. But now I am gong to try a create-a-trail, assignment in January. I am going to do it (create the trail using the math and the technology--I only have one computer in the class but I can project it) as a whole class activity though and then have small groups name the checkpoints and research its altitude. Not sure what else yet.
Also, I like the idea of the race being in Maine. I want to make it a possible "qualifier" for the Iditarod though. Do you know how I can find out the requirements for that?
By the way, I have a very difficult time registering for he discussion forum...had to try three different computers. Then once here, it wouldn't let me post. I finally checked the "keep logged on" button and it finally worked....but someone should make this easier. I almost gave up.
Thanks again for the article.
Sissy from Maine

[Iditarod Staff]

Hi! Diane Johnson here (Iditarod's Education Director)

Great ideas on the 'create a trail' assignment!

Concerning the problem you had registering for the discussion forum, those who register must be approved by a real person before they can post, (we have so many spammers that we have to take that precaution.... sorry!) so I'm certain you were waiting in 'limbo' until I got to the computer this morning and approved you! Welcome to the forum and enjoy the journey!

Diane

[salgal80]

Hi, Sissy.
Thanks for the feedback and I am thrilled that you are going to try the assignment with your 3rd graders! I also push in to do enrichment with whole classes in grades 2-4 so maybe I will try your suggestions also!
Regarding the qualifying races for the Iditarod, you can check out the Official Musher's Rules. To find them, go to the "For Mushers" Section and scroll down to the 2010 Rules. I think the qualifications are on page 3 or so. Also, they are changing for the 2012 race.
Basically, if the race is 300 miles, I think you are good.
By the way, the idea of making it a qualifier for the Iditarod is brilliant! See what I mean about collaboration? The more ideas between teachers the better! Thanks for being the first one to respond!
Please let me know how the assignment goes!
Sally