Tag: navigation

Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Vikings Could Have Used ‘Sunstones’ to Navigate the North Atlantic

WORLD For centuries, Viking seafarers ruled the North Atlantic, braving open seas to travel thousands of kilometers to their colonies in Iceland and Greenland—all without magnetic compasses. How they performed such a feat has long puzzled scientists. Now, one group of researchers has an answer, based on computer simulations—and legendary crystals. (Science) What were Viking sunstones? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key … Continue reading Vikings Could Have Used ‘Sunstones’ to Navigate the North Atlantic

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Piloting Poop by Using the Stars

SCIENCE Dung beetles are on the ball! But they take “celestial snapshots” before getting the ball rolling. (Washington Post) How would you place in a dung beetle derby? Play our fun game to find out! Discussion Ideas The Washington Post says dung beetles are “coprophagic critters” that use celestial navigation to get the ball rolling. What does coprophagic mean? Coprophages are organisms that feed on … Continue reading Piloting Poop by Using the Stars

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Scientists Crack Mystery of Monarch Navigation

SCIENCE The uncanny mechanisms that monarch butterflies use to navigate thousands of kilometers has long baffled scientists. A new study suggests how they determine which way to go. (Christian Science Monitor) Read our profile of the “lepidopterist neurobiologist” who helped author the new study. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas According to the fascinating new … Continue reading Scientists Crack Mystery of Monarch Navigation

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

New Guinea Natives Navigate By Valleys and Mountains

GEOGRAPHY Yupno speakers in Papua New Guinea are the first known people to imagine slopes to orient themselves inside flat homes. (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to learn more about the importance of teaching and learning spatial thinking skills. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Yupno uses words such as “upvalley and “downvalley” to … Continue reading New Guinea Natives Navigate By Valleys and Mountains

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Aboriginal Songlines Helped Draw the Map in Australia

GEOGRAPHY There’s a good chance Aboriginal people mapped out Australia’s road network thousands of years before Europeans arrived—and used star charts to do it. (Phys.org) Use our resources to learn more about how Aboriginal Australians charted their landscape. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The Phys.org article focuses on star maps created by Aboriginal Australians, … Continue reading Aboriginal Songlines Helped Draw the Map in Australia

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