Expedition facts for kids
An expedition is a special kind of long journey. People go on expeditions for a clear reason. These journeys often involve exploring new places or learning about the world. They can also be for science, mapping, or even for a country's goals.
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Why Do People Go on Expeditions?
Expeditions are not just vacations. They are carefully planned trips with important goals. People go on them to discover, learn, or achieve something big.
Exploring New Places
Many expeditions are about exploring. This means going to places no one has seen before. Explorers might map new lands or find new routes. They help us understand what our world looks like.
Doing Science
Some expeditions are for science. Scientists travel to study plants, animals, or rocks. They might look for new species or learn about Earth's climate. These trips help us understand how nature works.
Mapping the World
Geographic expeditions focus on the land itself. People on these trips create maps. They measure mountains, rivers, and coastlines. This helps us know the true shape of our planet.
For Countries and Governments
Sometimes, expeditions are military or political. A military expedition might be to gather information. Political expeditions could be to claim new land for a country. They help governments make decisions about their land and people.
Famous Journeys of Discovery
Many brave people have led famous expeditions. These journeys changed how we see the world. Here are a few well-known ones:
- The Burke and Wills expedition (1860–61) tried to cross Australia. They wanted to go from the south to the north. It was a very difficult journey.
- The Central Australian Expedition (1844) was led by Charles Sturt. His goal was to find a large inland sea in Australia.
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–06) explored the Louisiana Purchase. This was a huge area of land in North America. They mapped the land and met many Native American tribes.
- The Overland Expedition (1897–98) had a special rescue mission. It aimed to save whale ships stuck in ice.
- The Terra Nova Expedition (1910–13) went to the South Pole. It was led by Robert Falcon Scott. This was a race to be the first to reach the bottom of the world.
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