Polynesian Navigation Techniques and Tools

The transcript explores the ancient Polynesian navigational techniques used for ocean voyages across the Pacific. Polynesians relied on natural elements like the Sun, Moon, stars, and ocean currents to navigate vast distances. They built sturdy canoes with community involvement and used a mental star compass for celestial navigation. Additional aids included clouds and bird flight patterns. Historical evidence and modern experiments, like the Hokulea voyage, demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods.

What natural elements did ancient Polynesians use to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean?

• GPS and radar

• Sun, Moon, and stars

• Lighthouses and buoys

• Compasses and maps

What is one reason historians believe Polynesians moved from island to island?

• To avoid overpopulation

• To find new trade routes

• To discover new species

• To escape natural disasters

What was a key factor in the success of Polynesian voyages?

• The availability of modern maps

• The presence of lighthouses

• The skill of navigators

• The use of motorboats

How did Polynesian navigators determine direction during the day?

• By using GPS

• By following birds

• By observing the Sun's position

• By using a compass

What is a star compass?

• A mental map of star positions

• A physical tool used for navigation

• A type of ancient map

• A modern navigational device

Which star is used by navigators to find north?

• Sirius

• Betelgeuse

• Orion

• Hokupa'a (North Star)

What constellation is used to find south when the North Star is not visible?

• Orion

• Cassiopeia

• Southern Cross (Newe)

• Big Dipper

How can clouds help navigators find land?

• By blocking the Sun

• By showing the direction of the wind

• By reflecting lagoons and indicating islands

• By indicating weather changes

What bird's flight pattern was used to determine proximity to land?

• Seagull

• Pelican

• Manu-O-Ku

• Albatross

How have modern experiments validated ancient Polynesian navigation techniques?

• By consulting ancient texts

• By comparing with modern maps

• By using GPS to track routes

• By recreating voyages with traditional methods