Polar Pioneer

Roald Amundsen became one of history’s greatest polar explorers by carefully preparing for some of the coldest and most dangerous environments on Earth. This passage introduces students to Amundsen’s childhood in Norway and his fascination with exploration. Readers learn how he studied the survival techniques of Arctic peoples and used their knowledge of sled dogs, warm clothing, and travel across ice during his expeditions.

This worksheet explores Amundsen’s successful journey through the Northwest Passage and his famous race against Robert Falcon Scott to reach the South Pole. Students learn how careful planning helped Amundsen and his team become the first people to reach the pole in 1911. The passage gives students practice comparing challenges, sequencing important events, and understanding how preparation, adaptability, and determination contributed to Amundsen’s success.