Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
03/16/2026
Reindeer races in Finland draw international crowds
Reindeer herding has been a Scandinavian tradition for centuries, but in recent decades, reindeer have also been taking to the racetrack in Finland. Now reindeer racing competitions are drawing international crowds. The animals are still a big part of life in Finland. It has 4,500 herders and about 200,000 reindeer. They're used for milk, meat, and tourism. But, racing reindeer must be able to tolerate crowds, noise, and competitors.
■Class discussion: Do you find racing reindeer a bit strange? Is it much different than racing horses, camels, or dogs? How about racing crabs and cockroaches? Are we willing to race almost any type of animal? Are we willing to race each other in just about every way – by foot, car, boat, or aircraft? Why do we enjoy watching animals compete? Why do we enjoy watching people compete in everything from football to cooking?
