Title: Circumnavigation of the Globe (Historical Perspectives) Grade Level(s): 6-8 Introduction: Throughout history, there have been many navigators, sailors, seamen, explorers, and merchants that have circumnavigated the Earth for many different reasons. Ferdinand Magellan was the first to circumnavigate in 1519-1522. His voyage was an attempt, for economic reasons, to prove that the coveted Spice Islands, or Moluccas, were the property of Spain. Later, circumnavigations were a result of establishing new trade routes throughout the world. In more recent times, circumnavigators became fascinated with racing, speed, and endurance. Ocean racing history began with the 100 Guineas Cup, a regatta of England, won by a schooner named America. Thus the America s Cup and ocean racing began. Since then, many different races have been organized throughout the years. Some of the most enduring races are around the world races, either by teams of sailors on a boat, or single-handed. Today, large maxi catamarans are approaching theoretical hull speeds of 40 knots, and can sail almost 600 miles in a single day. Presently, the fastest circumnavigation by any sailboat is 71 days, and the record will certainly be broken within the near future, and repeatedly throughout the upcoming years. Learner Objectives: The student will be able to compare circumnavigations by navigators throughout the ages utilizing the duration of voyages as the measure. The student will be able to compare circumnavigations by navigators utilizing boat speed, boat type, and hull type. Florida Sunshine State Standards: Science: Sci.C.1.3.1 Sci.C.2.2.0; Math: MA.E.3.3.1, MA.E.1.3.1, MA.E.1.3.2, MA.E.1.3.3, MA.D.1.3.2, MA.B.3.3.1 Competency-Based Curriculum: Science: M/J1-IA9 Math: M/J-3-IV, M/J6-A, M/J IV-8-A, M/JIV-9-A, M/JVI-2-A, M/JVI-3-A, M/JVI-7-A, M/JVI-12-C, M/J-I-III-2-A IV-B-15
Materials: 1. Chart of circumnavigations: Navigator Year Elapsed Time Boat Name Boat Size Boat Type (days) (feet) Ferdinand Magellan 1519-1522 Victoria N/A monohull Robin Knox-Johnston 1968 313 Suhaili 30 monohull Christopher Augin 1997 105 Geodis 60 monohull Olivier de Kersauson 1997 71 Spory-Elec 92 catamaran Chay Blyth 1971 292 British Steel 58 monohull 2. Graph Paper Activity Procedures: 1. Allow the student to read the article First Circumnavigation of the Globe by Magellan (1519-1522), by Tait M. Swenson, and have the students estimate the total elapsed time of circumnavigation by Magellan from the text. 2. Allow the student to view a chart of the various circumnavigations previously chosen, and have the students add the estimated time of circumnavigation by Magellan to the chart. 3. Divide the students into groups and have each group take responsibility for discussing the information in the chart. 4. Following the group discussions, have the students graph several different contents of the chart. The graphs should include the following: A. Year of the trip vs. duration of circumnavigation B. Boat size vs. duration of circumnavigation C. Boat type vs. duration of circumnavigation IV-B-16
Student Assessment: Allow students to answer critical thinking skills questions assigned by the teacher. 1. Calculate the average boat speed in knots, kilometers per hour and statute miles per hour using the following information and conversions: Total estimated mileage of circumnavigation: 26,000 statute miles 1 nautical mile = 1.15 statute miles 1 statute mile = 1.609 kilometers 1 statute mile/hour = 1 knot 2. Compare and contrast the evolution of circumnavigation elapsed times throughout the years. Consider the following factors: does hull type affect the total elapsed time? How has the elapsed time changed during the years? Does boat length directly affect elapsed time? Activity Extensions: 1. Over the years, there have been significant advances in meteorology and weather forecasting. How do you think these advances have influenced the speed of circumnavigations by navigators throughout the years? (Science) 2. There has been significant advances in construction materials for hulls, sails, and rigging. How have these advances influenced the speed of boats throughout the ages? How have they directly affected the speed of circumnavigation by navigators? (Math) 3. On December 31, 2000, six huge sailing boats started a non-stop regatta around the world. Calculate how fast these huge (100+ feet) racing catamarans could circumnavigate the globe if they averaged the following: a. 400 miles a day b. 500 miles a day c. 600 miles a day d. 20 knots e. 40 knots (fastest theoretical hull speed for some of the boats) Home Learning Activity: Look up on the Internet any circumnavigation races that are currently happening, and report on who/ what team is in the lead, the distance they have to go, where they are at the present time, and the estimated time of arrival. Vocabulary: circumnavigation, coveted IV-B-17
References/Related Links: www.yachting-world.com http://campus.northpark.edu/history//webchron/westeurope/magellan.html http://ils.unc.edu/maritime/home.html Yachting World Magazine (January, 2000). Milestones-the people, boats and events that have shaped sailing. IV-B-18
Circumnavigation of the Globe Reading Passage Excerpt: Young Circumnavigator Sails into the Record Books. Yachting World Magazine, January, 2000 He set out with one record in mind and came back with another, but one way or another young Melbourne sailor Jesse Martin will end up in the record books. He set out from Melbourne s Port Phillip Bay, aged 17 years 3 months, and returned one week less than 11 months later on Sunday 31, October to become the youngest skipper to sail single-handed, non-stop and unassisted around the world. When he set out on 7 December, 1998 he wanted to out-do Western Australian David Dicks, who is currently the youngest skipper to have sailed single-handed, non-stop around the world. However, progress on the second half of the trip was slow, and it became evident that he would not finish the trip at a younger age than Dicks, who was 18 years 41 days when he completed his voyage in 1996. However, the Western Australian skipper had been forced to take outside assistance when a replacement fitting was lowered from a helicopter off the Falklands. The young Melbournian was able to complete his trip unassisted and so set a new benchmark. Sailing a 20 year old vessel S&S called Lionheart, he went in the standard eastabout direction, first rounding Cape Horn then sailing north up the Atlantic and across the Equator to round the Azores - necessary to qualify for the record. It was the back south around the Cape of Good Hope, and into the Southern Ocean, in what was still the Southern Hemisphere winter. It was here where progress slowed as he battled Force 10 winds, being knocked down five times in one night. IV-B-19
Circumnavigation of the Globe FCAT Questions Directions: Read the passage, then answer all the questions below. Answer multiple-choice question by circling the letter of the answer that you select. Write your answer to Read, Think, and Explain questions in the lines provided. 1. Approximately how old was Jesse Martin when he finished his record-breaking circumnavigation? A. 18 years 11 months B. 18 years 2 months C. 17 years 11 months D. 19 years 2 months Answer: B 2. Why was Jesse Martin able to set the record? A. Jesse Martin left from a port that was more west than David Dicks B. Jesse Martin did not round the Azores C. David Dicks did not round the Azores D. David Dicks took on outside assistance Answer: D 3. Why was Jesse Martin s voyage slowed in the Southern Ocean? A. The Southern Hemisphere summer was calm B. His boat was too old C. Knockdowns slowed progress D. Contrary currents slowed progress Answer: C 4. How are David Dicks and Jesse Martin s record different? IV-B-20