Science·Polar Regions·conceptual
The Race to the South Pole
Know the story of the race to the South Pole in detail — Norwegian Roald Amundsen and British Robert Falcon Scott both set out in 1911, Amundsen arrived first on 14 December using dog sleds and careful planning, Scott arrived 34 days later using man-hauled sledges and tragically died with his team on the return journey; also know about Ernest Shackleton's 1914 Endurance expedition where the ship was trapped and crushed by ice, and Shackleton's extraordinary boat journey to South Georgia to rescue his crew
Suggested ages 7–9
Evidence of understanding
- Describe the Scott vs Amundsen race: Amundsen arrived 14 December 1911 using dog sleds; Scott arrived 34 days later and died on the return
- Explain at least two reasons Amundsen succeeded: better planning, dog sleds, polar experience, and lighter supplies
- Narrate the key events of the Endurance expedition: ship crushed, camps on ice, boat journey to South Georgia, all crew rescued
Assessment prompt
Can The Race to the South Pole tell you the detailed story of Amundsen and Scott's race to the South Pole — who won and why, what went wrong for Scott, and the incredible survival story of Shackleton's Endurance?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.