Skills used
- Latitude & Longitude
- Forming logical conclusions
- Using scale to measure distance
Vocabulary
migration, glaciers, strait
Materials Needed
Globe in Horizon Ring Mounting
Lesson
In your study of American History you will learn about the great migration of early peoples from Asia to America. Many scientists believe that these first Americans came by way of a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska. This land bridge was formed at a time when much more of the earth's water was frozen into sea ice and glaciers, thus lowering the levels of the oceans. The land bridge was in the area of the Bering Sea, so it was given the name of Beringia.
On your globe, locate the Bering Strait at 66N/168W. Use the globe's mounting ring or the scale printed on the globe ball to measure the distance across this strait at its narrowest point. What is this distance? (1)__________________________________________________
The average depth of all the oceans is about 11,000 feet deep. In the Bering Strait the average water depth is about 600 feet (183 meters) or less. Do you agree with the scientists that there could have been a land bridge between Asia and North America at one time?
Look at your globe carefully.
2.
Are there any other places on the earth where either mainland North America or South America is closer than 100 miles to another continent?________________________
3.
Of the other five continents, which is closest to the mainland of either North America or South America? ________________________________
4.
How far is the mainland of South America from Antarctica?