Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of each activity.

ACTIVITY 1: “Map the Journey”

Students visualize the explorers’ journey by tracing their route on a map of the world.

On a map of the world’s surface, trace the route of the explorers from their departure in Hamburg, Germany, to their eventual return to Hamburg.

• Include arrows pointing in the direction of the travel (i.e., east or west, up or down).
• Show the depths at which the characters traveled on separate cross-section maps for each significant descent or ascent. Use numbers to key the points of ascent/descent with the associated maps.

Teaching Suggestion: Consider making this a team activity, organizing students into groups with each student responsible for mapping designated chapters. Provide each team with reprints of surface and cross-section world maps. Alternatively, consider facilitating this activity using digital drawing tools if they are available to all students.

ACTIVITY 2: “Science Fiction vs. Science Fact”

In this activity, students will select a scientific explanation provided in the text and conduct research to determine whether it is supported by established science.