PicoBuddy
state / province

Explore Alaska

Welcome to Alaska, America's largest and most northern state! Discover a vast land of towering glaciers, diverse wildlife, and rich Indigenous cultures as you explore reading passages from the Last Frontier.

41 readings
Loading the world map…

Reading passages across Alaska

Browse every reading connected to Alaska, including passages from its regions, cities, landmarks, and natural features.

Showing 24 of 41

Alaska printables & worksheets

Print-and-go Alaska activities for the classroom or home — ready to download as PDF.

Build a Alaska workbook
Pro

One PDF with the reading passages, puzzles and worksheets you pick — start from a grade level and adjust from there, with the answer keys at the back.

Alaska fact file

Research Alaska: where it is, what it is known for, three interesting facts, and a drawing.

Alaska KWL chart

Write what you already know about Alaska, what you want to find out, and what you learned.

Alaska story map

Plan a story set in Alaska: characters, setting, problem, what happens first, next, and last, and how it ends.

Alaska word web

Put Alaska in the middle and collect words and ideas connected to it.

Compare two things from Alaska

Use a Venn diagram to compare two places, landmarks, animals, traditions, or other features from Alaska.

Alaska acrostic poem

Write an acrostic poem using the letters in the name Alaska.

Alaska word game worksheets

Printable word puzzles built from Alaska words — download as PDF, answer key included.

Easy word search

8×8 grid · 6 words across and down · answer key included

Medium word search

10×10 grid · 8 words with diagonals · answer key included

Tricky word search

12×12 grid · 10 words with backwards words · answer key included

No printer at hand? Play the Alaska word search right here on screen — free.

About Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the United States by land area, measuring over twice the size of Texas.

It is home to Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, which rises to 20,310 feet.

Alaska has the longest coastline of any U.S. state, bordering both the Pacific and Arctic Oceans.

Discover the Wonders of the Far North

Exploring Alaska helps young learners build a strong foundation in physical geography and earth science. As the largest state in the United States, Alaska features incredibly diverse landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Alaska Range to vast tundra plains and rugged coastlines. By reading about these distinct environments, students gain a deeper understanding of how climate, ecosystems, and geography shape life in extreme northern regions.

Building Rich Background Knowledge

Integrating Alaskan topics into your reading curriculum boosts background knowledge across multiple subjects. Students can learn about unique wildlife adaptations, the science of glaciers, and the rich traditions of Alaska Native cultures who have lived in harmony with this land for thousands of years. This contextual knowledge improves reading comprehension, helping students make meaningful connections when they encounter complex informational texts. Whether studying the gold rush era or modern conservation efforts, Alaska offers endless opportunities to inspire curiosity and critical thinking in young minds.

Alaska reading map FAQ

What is the capital of Alaska?

The capital of Alaska is Juneau, which is unique because it cannot be reached by road; visitors and residents must arrive by plane or boat.

Why is Alaska called "The Last Frontier"?

It is called "The Last Frontier" due to its vast areas of rugged, unsettled wilderness, sparse population, and remote location.

How did Alaska become part of the United States?

The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, and it officially became the 49th U.S. state in 1959.

What are some native animal species found in Alaska?

Alaska is home to iconic wildlife species such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, bald eagles, sea otters, and humpback whales.