Photograph of totem pole by Gail Hennessey

State in Focus: ALASKA

by

Gail Skroback Hennessey

What do you know about the state of Alaska?

Use for following link to answer the map questions: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/alaska/

1.What is the city which is the furthest north in Alaska?____________

2. What is the main river in Alaska which flows from the country of Canada?___________

3. This is the highest peak in Alaska(and North America)______________

4. Name three peninsulas in Alaska? ____________ DEFINE the term Peninsula?______________

5. Name the largest chain of islands off of the Alaska peninsula.____________

6. Which country is found on the other side of the Bering Strait?_____________

7. What is the capital of the state of Alaska?_____________

8. What are the three bodies of water which touch Alaska?_________________________________________

9. Is the Brooks Range above or below the Arctic Circle?_______________

Webquest on Alaska.

1. Siberian huskies and Alaska malamutes are the two main breeds used in the famous Iditarod race. Started in______, the Iditarod, nicknamed the _______________________ is held each year in honor of the Great Race of Mercy, of 1925, to bring needed medicine to sick children living in which Alaskan city?_________Mushers with dog sleds carried the medicine over a 674 mile journey.From which city does the race begin each year? ____________ Find the answers at this link:http://Enchantedlearning.com

2. The word Alaska comes from Aleyska,an Aluet word meaning______________ The state's nickname is __________________.There are 3000 rivers and 3 million lakes in Alaska! What is the name of the largest lake in Alaska?____________ Of the 10 strongest earthquakes to have taken place around the world, how many took place inAlaska?__________ The Yukon River is the ________ largest river in the United States.Find the answers at this link:

http://www.alaska.gov/kids/learn/facts.htm

Fun Facts about Alaska:

Cheechako means newcomer to Alaska

Alaska has 47,000 miles of coastline and is the only state to touch 3 different seas.

A Sourdough,nickname for gold prospectors, comes from the bread started that these people brought along with them.

Muktuk is raw blubber of bowhead whale(beluga and narwhal,too).Some consider it a delicacy.

Extension activities:

Alaska's dinosaurs!Have students learn about some of the dinosaur discoveries made in the state of Alaska.

Aurora Borealis of Alaska!Learn about the northern lights, the aurora borealis.

The complete web quest has 10 questions,lots more fun facts and 8 additional extension activities.