Journey To The Center Of The Earth

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.