Polar Exploration Then and Now

Science · Polar Regions · ages 9-11

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Which of these helps modern polar scientists know their exact location?
- GPS
- A compass drawn on paper
- Guessing from the stars only
How did explorers travel across the ice during the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration?
- By icebreaker ship
- By dog sled and on foot
- By airplane
During the Heroic Age, many explorers died from cold, hunger, or accidents.
Circle one: True False
What lets today's icebreaker ships push through thick sea ice that would have stopped a Heroic Age ship?
- Reinforced hulls and powerful engines
- Bigger sails
- More rowers
Which scientist studies ice cores to learn about the Earth's past climate?
- Liz Thomas
- Sylvia Earle
- Robert Scott
Why can modern polar scientists work in Antarctica more safely than Heroic Age explorers could?
- They have heated stations, aircraft, and satellite communication for safety
- Antarctica has become warm everywhere due to climate change
- They always travel in large groups instead of alone
A scientist today needs to reach a spot that once took Heroic Age explorers months of walking. What most likely gets her there and back safely in a single day?
- A dog sled team
- Man-hauling a sledge
- An aircraft
Amir says that only explorers from one country study Antarctica today, just like in the Heroic Age. What is wrong with his statement?
- Nothing, he is right
- Modern polar science includes diverse, international teams of men and women
- Antarctica has no scientists at all today

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

GPS · GPS uses satellites to show scientists exactly where they are, even on featureless ice.
By dog sled and on foot · Heroic Age explorers used dog sleds and often man-hauled their own sledges across the ice.
True · Heroic Age exploration was very dangerous, and expeditions often lost lives to the harsh conditions.
Reinforced hulls and powerful engines · Icebreakers have strong, reinforced hulls and powerful engines built to crush through sea ice.
Liz Thomas · Liz Thomas is a glaciologist who studies ice cores to understand how climate has changed over time.
They have heated stations, aircraft, and satellite communication for safety · Heated research stations, aircraft for quick transport, and satellite links for help make modern polar work much safer.
An aircraft · Aircraft let modern scientists reach remote polar sites quickly, instead of trekking for months like Heroic Age explorers.
Modern polar science includes diverse, international teams of men and women · Today's polar research brings together scientists from many countries, including women like Liz Thomas and Sylvia Earle.