|
|
Arctic Passage
|
|
|
|
Viewing Ideas
|
|
|
Before Watching
The
Northwest Passage is the sea route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The
Franklin Expedition traveled from England to western Greenland through what is
now Baffin Bay, then on to Resolute Island. Some believe the crew made it as
far as King William Island. Have students plot the Northwest Passage on a map
and estimate its distance. Organize the class into five teams. As they watch the program, have four of
the teams track one of the following types of evidence related to why the
expedition failed: diseases, health issues and physical remains; ship-related
artifacts; Inuit testimony; and written notes and journals. Have a fifth group
keep track of when events occurred.
After Watching
Have students refer to their notes and share what they learned, beginning
with the team that took notes on when events occurred (have this team write the
sequence of events on the board). Each team should report and add its findings
to the time line. Ask students to share which theory of why the men became ill
and died they believe is most likely and why.
Discuss with students what conditions were like for the men on the Franklin
Expedition. What were the hardships? The pleasures? What technologies were
available to them? What technologies are available today that did not exist in
1845? (Some technologies available today include advanced ice-breaking
equipment, Global Positioning System navigation, nutrient supplements, better
preservation methods for food, synthetic fibers for clothes, and antibiotics
and other medications.)
|
|
