Overview:
In this unit, students will embark on an extraordinary journey through history, science, and adventure as they explore the lives of eight remarkable explorers who dared to venture into the unknown. From Jeanne Baret’s groundbreaking botanical discoveries to Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight into space, these explorers represent courage, ingenuity, and the unyielding human spirit. Each figure offers unique insights into diverse regions, cultures, and scientific advancements, making this unit a comprehensive exploration of leadership, discovery, and innovation.
What We’ll Be Learning:
Throughout this unit, students will delve into the lives and achievements of these extraordinary individuals, uncovering their leadership qualities, contributions to science and culture, and the challenges they overcame. Through hands-on STEM activities, cultural explorations, and creative projects, students will gain a deeper understanding of how these explorers shaped history and inspired generations. The unit emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, providing students with opportunities to connect historical events to modern challenges.
Unit Overview:
The Bold Botanist: Jeanne Baret
Learn about Jeanne Baret’s journey as the first woman to circumnavigate the globe while disguising herself as a man.
Explore her contributions to botany and the plants she collected from around the world.
Hands-on activities include plant classification, creating disguises, mapping her journey, and designing a portable plant press.
The Endurance of Ernest Shackleton
Discover the story of Shackleton’s Antarctic expeditions and his leadership during the ill-fated Endurance voyage.
Study the challenges of Antarctic exploration and the resilience required for survival.
Activities include building lifeboat models, simulating survival in extreme cold, and navigating Shackleton’s journey.
The Journey of Marco Polo
Follow Marco Polo’s travels along the Silk Road and learn about the cultural exchange between Europe and Asia.
Explore the trade goods, inventions, and traditions Marco encountered on his journey.
Engage in activities such as creating a Silk Road-inspired spice blend, building paper lanterns, and cooking a simple noodle dish.
The Quest for the Lost City: Percy Fawcett
Dive into the Amazon rainforest with Percy Fawcett, a British explorer searching for the legendary Lost City of Z.
Study the biodiversity of the Amazon and the ethical considerations of exploration.
Activities include biodiversity exploration with leaf prints, cooking cassava flatbread, and creating a simple compass.
Yuri Gagarin: First Human in Space
Learn about Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight and its significance in the Space Race.
Study the science of space travel and the resilience required for living in space.
Engage in activities like building balloon rockets, designing lunar landers, and cooking Russian blini.
Jacques Cousteau: The Ocean Explorer
Explore the underwater world with Jacques Cousteau, a pioneer in marine exploration and conservation.
Learn about the Aqua-Lung and the ecosystems Cousteau introduced to the world.
Activities include building mini submarine models, simulating water pressure, and cooking French ratatouille.
David Livingstone: Explorer, Missionary, and Scientist
Journey through Africa with David Livingstone, discovering its geography, diverse ecosystems, and cultures.
Learn about his opposition to the slave trade and contributions to cartography and science.
Activities include mapping his journeys, building a waterfall model of Victoria Falls, and cooking African flatbread (chapati).
Alexandra David-Néel: Explorer of the Forbidden City
Follow Alexandra David-Néel’s journey to Lhasa, Tibet, and her studies of Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Explore the challenges of high-altitude exploration and the spiritual traditions of the Himalayas.
Engage in activities like creating a Himalayan altitude experiment, building weather shelters, and cooking Tibetan butter tea.