Learn about anthropologist and explorer Thor Heyerdahl by reading this biography. This resource includes extension activities to further children's knowledge of geography, ancient Egypt, transportation, and anthropology.
Themes:
Explorer / Anthropologist
Born: 6 October 1914
Died: 18 April 2002 (cancer)
Birthplace: Larvik, Norway
Best known as: Leader of the Kon-Tiki and Ra Expeditions
In 1947 Thor Heyerdahl and five crew members sailed the Kon-Tiki, a balsa wood raft, from South America to Polynesia, to prove his theory that pre-Columbian intercultural global contact was possible. During 1969-70 he sailed two papyrus rafts, Ra I and Ra II, across the Atlantic, to show that ancient Egyptians could have had contact with South America. Although his theories often earned him the scorn of academics, Heyerdahl had a profound influence on anthropology and archaeology.
Extra credit: The film of his Kon-Tiki expedition earned an Oscar in 1951 for Best Documentary Feature.
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Extension Activities:
- Study the coast of South America and map the route travelled by the Kon-Tiki.
- Use a quiz to review information about Ancient Egypt.
- Investigate the buoyancy of boats and barges.
- Learn about different types of water transportation.
- Design Tiki Pendants to celebrate folk art from the Pacific Islands.
- Read a biography of Margaret Mead to learn about techniques used by all anthropologists.
