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

Norway May Help Finland Reach New Heights

GEOGRAPHY An online campaign has been launched in Norway to give Halti, a mountain peak, to neighboring Finland. Halti would be a birthday present to mark the centenary of Finland’s independence in 2017. (BBC) Use our resources to find Halti and redraw the border between Norway and Finland—or anywhere else you want. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ … Continue reading Norway May Help Finland Reach New Heights

Tracking the History of Skiing

SPORTS An ancient culture in the Chinese Altay Mountains offers a glimpse of how skiing evolved. (National Geographic Magazine) Use our resources to learn more about the evolution of skiing. Discussion Ideas Look at the map above. Why do you think cultures in Scandinavia and the Altay Mountains developed skiing cultures? How did skiing benefit these communities? According to the Nat Geo magazine article, “[W]hoever … Continue reading Tracking the History of Skiing