using geography--explorers and their tools

Using Geography

Explorers and Their Tools

Open Ended

I think ancient explorers used _______ to explore the world.

Magnetic Compass

• Developed by the Chinese between 400-206 BC.

• Originally made of stone and later metal and plastic

• the arrow points to magnetic north.

Astrolabe

A metal disk developed by Muslims that was used to calculate the stars and navigate using their position. Developed 400-500 AD and remained popular through the 1650s.

Sextant

• Developed by British and an American separately.

• The angular distances measured allow the sailors to measure the location of the star compared to the horizon.

Poll

Which invention that the ancient explorers used was the most important?

• Magnetic Compass

• Astrolabe

• Sextant

Open Ended

Why do you think that the invention that you selected is the most important?