The Next Great Race

Commemorating an important event in American History

How to get started.I. Select an explorer, event

or trail.

II. Research, research, research.

III. Locate a map.

IV. Plot a route.

V. Build a race.

Explorers and Settlers

• Lewis and Clark• Don Juan de Onate• Jacques Cartier• Francisco Vasquez de

Coronado

I

Possible event topics.

• California Gold Rush • Battles of the

American Revolution

• Establishment of

Missions • Forts• Ghost Towns

I

Some suggested trails.

• Trail of Tears• Cattle Drive Trails• Railroad Routes• Underground Railroad• Mormon Trail• Oregon Trail• Pony Express

I

Plot a route

• Create a list of checkpoints and distances

Checkpoint Distancefrom start

Distance tonextcheckpoint

Distance tofinish

El Paso 0 32 320

Las Cruces 32 58 288

Alamogordo 90 17 230

START

X

X

IV

Research Suggestions

Classroom Library Internet

Textbook General History

Encyclopedia Specific topic

Atlas Reference section

II

Historical Maps by the bunches:

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/histus.html

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/

http://www.cgrer.uiowa.edu/servers/servers_references.html#historical

http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/historical.html

Build a Race

A. Why have a race?B. Name it. Give it a

nickname.C. Write a list of rules and

requirements.D. Design a logo and at

least one souvenir.E. Create “musher”

biographies. F. Publish a brochure about

your race.

V

Select a mode of transportation

• Animals- horses, mules, driving a herd

• Vehicles- planes, trains, cars, motorcycles, snow machines

• On foot, skies, roller blades, bicycle

• Multiple modes

Mode may determine length: terrain may determine mode.

Additional Race Components

1. Special Awards

2. Musher Biographies

3. Detailed Trail Descriptions

4. Weather Information

5. Cost and/or weight of Gear

6. Estimated Times

Modifications

• Make it an expedition rather than a race

• Space exploration

• The Golden Tortilla Race- Chihuahua dogs pulling shopping carts to all the Dollar Only Stores in El Paso

Additional Activities

• Create a song

• Adapt a game

• Video tape race highlights

• Build a web page