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Sometimes referred to as the Last Frontier, Alaska gets its name from its earliest native peoples; the Aleuts called their land alayeksa, which means "great land." The Great Land is noted for its wealth of natural resources. For hundreds of years, adventuresome people have traveled to Alaska in search of furs, gold, and -- most recently -- oil.

Today, one of Alaska's largest industries is tourism. Each year, thousands of visitors travel to Alaska to learn about its history and explore its natural beauty.

Iditarod: The Last Great Race
Alaska's annual Iditarod Dogsled Race is a perfectly "teachable moment." Wise teachers use the race and the many Web sites connected with it to teach geography, math, reading, and language arts. More than that, this annual race can teach students a thing or two about fairness in competition and about the pride and dignity that comes with seeing a job through to its completion. Included are Iditarod activities for use across the grades!

Happy Birthday, Alaska!
As winter deepens, invite students to go on a WWW tour of the nation's largest state. What better way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Alaskan statehood?

Explore Alaska: Three Scavenger Hunts
Education World celebrates Alaska's 40th anniversary with three scavenger hunts for students across the grades. Students explore an "Alaska" Web site in search of answers to ten grade-appropriate questions.