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Book 18, Question 104 · Video

What Vehicles Drive Across Polar Snow and Ice?

Video · 1:57 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 18

Polar travelers use snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and big tractors to cross snow and ice! Tracks and wide skis spread out weight so vehicles do not sink. Some pull sleds loaded wi

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What vehicles drive across polar snow and ice?

The Big Idea

Polar travelers use snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and big tractors to cross snow and ice! Tracks and wide skis spread out weight so vehicles do not sink. Some pull sleds loaded with supplies.

Snowmobiles

Step one: snowmobiles. A snowmobile has a track at the back and skis at the front, so it zips over the snow. Scientists and families in the Arctic use them to travel and carry gear.

Tracked Vehicles

Step two: tracked vehicles. Tracks spread the weight over a wide area, so the heavy vehicle does not sink. The idea is like wearing snowshoes instead of boots.

Tractor Trains

Step three: tractor trains. Big tractors pull long lines of sleds carrying tons of supplies and fuel across Antarctica. A Canadian inventor, Joseph-Armand Bombardier, built early snow vehicles in Quebec.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A snowmobile is fast and light, and great for short trips. Wide tracks spread the weight. A big tractor has the power to pull heavy loads. And sleds carry food, tools, and supplies behind it.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some Antarctic tractors pull sleds carrying tons of fuel. Bombardier's company later made the Ski-Doo snowmobile. Wide tracks work like giant snowshoes. Always ride with a trained grown-up, and wear a helmet.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Lay a thick towel on the floor for soft pretend snow. Roll a toy car across it, then try a toy tank or a car with wide tires. Which crosses more easily? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Tracks and skis spread out weight so vehicles stay on top. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this