Explorers Unit (Technologies)

Question 1

What is a Cog?

Answer 1

Made: 10th Century
What is it: A medieval Sailing Ship
What did it do: Transported goods (people, livestock, supplies)
Usefulness: Important for trade, transportation and warfare

Question 2

What is a Caravel?

Answer 2

Made: 15th century
What is it: A ship design
What did it do: Vehicle for explorers like Columbus, Dias, and Da Gama (mainly Portuguese and Spanish)
Usefulness: Small-high maneuverable ships

Question 3

What is an Astrolabe?

Answer 3

Made: Ancient Greece, 2nd century BCE
What is it: A brass or bronze instrument
What does it do: Performs complex calculations, timekeeping, navigation, and geographical movement
Usefulness: Portability (Compact and lightweight), Precise

Question 4

What is a compass?

Answer 4

Made: Ancient China, 206 BCE-220 BCE
What is it: A device to find NWSE
What does it do: Determines direction using Earth’s magnetic force (points towards north)
Usefulness: Simple, reliable, and used for many jobs

Question 5

What is GPS Navigation?

Answer 5

Made: Developed by US department of defence in 1973
What is it: A satellite-based navigation system that provides location
What does it do: Uses signals from at least 4 satellites to pinpoint location
Usefulness: Real-time navigation worldwide, works in all weather conditions

Question 6

What is a Telescope?

Answer 6

Made: 1608 by Dutch eyeglass maker
What is it: An instrument that magnifies distant objects
Usefulness: Allows humans to see what is impossible to see with the naked eye

Question 7

What is a spyglass?

Answer 7

Made: Early 17th century
What is it: A small hand-held telescope
Usefulness: Portable, easy to use, widely used by sailors and explorers