Booking Across the USA: Alaska

Now those of you that have read my blog before know that I am a Texas girl, and you are probably thinking why in the world is this girl writing about Alaska? You would be right on both accounts, but I am going to give it my best shot!

I came across this amazing opportunity called Booking Across the USA where a blogger from each state reads a Travels with Charlie book from Blue Apple Publishers and then blogs about their state and an activity to go along with it. I was so excited! Until I found out that Texas was already taken by Lynda from Curls and a Smile. Then I was sad, but not too sad because I love Lynda. Also, I found out that I would be going to Alaska for Spring Break, and Alaska was still available, so I was in! 

Here I am in Fairbanks after a few hours of cross country skiing. 

After returning from my trip I knew I wanted to share my experience with my students. We started the conversation by reading Travels with Charlie Way Out West and talking about each of the states included in the book. It was really fun to have Texas and Alaska both included so that they could make comparisons!

 I love the way that this book is set up! Each state has a BEAUTIFUL illustration, the state flag, nickname, some quick facts, a highlighted map of the state within the country, and a geography hunt!

I used the document camera to show the illustration so that my students could all hunt at the same time. 

                             

Then we decided to integrate some science! We have been studying animal adaptations, so we created our own tundra ecosystem of animals and their adaptations. 

First we created our ecosystem on our bulletin board using butcher paper. We created snow covered land with water and icebergs. 

Then each student chose a tundra animal to draw and water color. We don't often get to paint in class, so my students were extra excited about this one. Above, one of my students is beginning to paint her puffin. 

Another student paints their Bald Eagle. 

Painting an octopus. 

A completed narwhal. 

Then we cut out our animals, labeled them with their adaptations that allow them to thrive in the tundra environment, and placed them on our bulletin board. 

Our students are so proud of their work being displayed. 

I just love this Red Fox!

We had a blast learning about Alaska, and the other states in the book! I hope that you will check out the 49 other states also participating in Booking Across the USA.