How would you like to visit Alaska, see breathtaking scenery and wildlife,
make some “cool” new friends, and have the opportunity to participate in one
of the greatest adventures on earth, all without spending any money or
leaving the city of Taunton, Massachusetts?    

Your language arts class has won "The Field Trip of a Lifetime" contest
sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Education.  You and your
classmates need to convince the principal and assistant principal of the
Friedman Middle School that you should travel to Alaska to watch the 2006
Iditarod race.  In order to do this, you will need to become an expert in
all aspects of the Iditarod Trail sled dog race (also known as the "Last
Great Race") and will need to take on the role of an investigative reporter 
as you get ready for the "Iditarod" fair:

Investigative Reporter:  You will assume the role of a newspaper reporter as
                                      you participate in and complete various tasks and
                                      activities assigned to you by your field trip
                                      coordinator, Mrs. Follett.  Your assignments will
                                      require you to work on your own, in pairs and      
                                      in small group as you research information needed
                                      to complete each of the tasks.