The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Beyond Our World
Mini Fact: Astronauts are still learning about outer space and other planets.
Are you curious about the world around you? Do you enjoy solving mysteries? Do you like to explore your backyard or neighborhood?
This week, The Mini Page learns about famous explorers.
Good explorers
The best explorers have:
Curiosity about the unknown.
Courage to face danger and hardship and not turn back, unless it is wise to do so.
Wisdom to know when it is too dangerous to continue.
Determination to solve mysteries in spite of any difficulties they might face.
Salesmanship to convince sponsors to help pay for their expeditions. Early explorers such as Christopher Columbus got help from a country’s rulers. Modern explorers might get help from universities or businesses. Experts have found evidence of a settlement he and his crew built in Newfoundland, Canada.
Leif was the son of a famous explorer and fighter, Erik the Red. Christopher Columbus made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean between 1492 and 1506. He explored the West Indies and along the coast of South and Central America. His discoveries led Europeans to new lands.
Modern explorers
Some people think humans have discovered everything there is to find. But modern explorers are looking at:
Outer space. However, few explorers actually get to go there. Many stay on Earth, designing probes and gathering information.
The oceans, which are the least known places on Earth and are 99 percent still unexplored. Explorers use new technology to find shipwrecks and life forms no one knew existed.
The human body. Using advanced tools such as DNA testing, scientists learn about us.
Rainforests, where experts say there are thousands of species of plants and animals still undiscovered.