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The ‘race to the South Pole’
Aim: To learn about the ‘race to the South Pole’.To empathise with the difficult conditions
experienced by the explorers.
Starter: What difficulties could you face on a trek in Antarctica?
The Race to the South Pole – Background History
• In the late 19th Century rich European countries became interested in becoming the first to reach the South Pole – and possibly in claiming the territory as their own.
• British explorers Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton became national heroes as their expeditions reached to within 400miles, and 100 miles, respectively, of the pole.
• On hearing that Shackleton had not reached the Pole Scott decided to make another attempt.
• At the same time in Norway, Roald Amundsen was also making plans to go to the south pole
Scott’s attempt to reach the South Pole
• Scott and his team decided to use motorised sledges and ponies to carry the food.
• Scott laid food and equipment depots on the route – although he wasn’t able to leave his final depot as close to the pole as he wanted.
• The team set off on November 1st 1911• They decided to leave the dogs at the base camp.
Amundsen’s attempt to reach the South Pole
• Amundsen decided to use dogs to pull the sledges – his men were well trained with using dogs in Norway and in the Arctic.
• Like Scott he was able to leave depots of food and equipment on the route to the Pole – he was able to leave the last depot nearer the Pole.
• Amundsen decided to use a different route to the Pole (Scott was following the route that had been used by most explorers previously).
• After starting early and turning back once, Amundsen and his team finally set off on October 20th.
Task
• Which of the two groups you think made it to the South Pole first? Explain reasons for your decision.
• (If you know the answer don’t give it away to the whole class yet)
Victory! – the first group to reach the South Pole was led by Amundsen. They achieved this on
15th December 1911
Scott’s tragic tale.• Scott and his group finally reached the South
Pole on the 17th January 1912 (it took them longer than expected as their sledges broke and their ponies couldn’t work in the cold – in the end the men had to pull the sledges)
• At the Pole they found the flag of Norway and realised that Amundsen had beaten them too it. (Amundsen also left a note to give to the King of Norway in case he didn’t make it back)
• Even when they reached the Pole Scott’s men were struggling with starvation & hypothermia.
• On the 17th February Officer Evans died – he had banged his head when falling a few days before and eventually fell into a coma.
• On the 17th March Captain Oates walked out of the tent never to return – he realised that his extreme frostbite was slowing the group down. (He famously said ‘I am just going outside – I may be some time….)
• The other three (including Scott) died in the tent a few days later. They were only 11 miles from their depot of food and fuel.
Title: Why did Scott not win the race (and why did they not make it home)?
Put these factors in order of importance:• The date they set off (Amundsen 20th October Scott 1st November)• The route they took• The animals they took (Scott took ponies Amundsen took dogs)• The position of the food depots• The weather (there were more storms than would normally be expected
in the Antarctic summer – these were particularly bad in March when Scott was trying to get back)
• Leadership qualities• The failure of the motorised sledges
You will need to fully explain your reasons for you first and last choices.
ExtWhat do you think about Captain Scott as a person. Should we remember
him as a hero or a villain?
H/W – Y8 Antarctica Assessment
• Use the work you have done in class today and the help sheet to write an answer to the following question:
‘Why did Amundsen win the race to the South Pole and why did Scott and his men die on their return journey?’
