Deep Sea Explorers
For years, people have been amazed by the mysterious oceans of the world. Read
on to find out about three people who wanted to explore the deep sea.
Jacques had to leave the
French naval academy
because he had an accident
and broke both of his
arms. To help his arms to
heal, Jacques swam in the
Mediterranean Sea every
day. His friend gave him a
Jacques Cousteau pair of swimming goggles so
Jacques-Yves Cousteau was that he could see under the
born in France on the 11th water. Lots of people think
June 1910. He was a famous that this is when Jacques
oceanographer. first became interested in
the ocean.
In 1985, Jacques was given
Jacques liked the mystery of
an important award called the
the ocean. He liked finding
Presidential Medal of Freedom
things that nobody had seen
from the US president.
before and he wanted to
show his discoveries to other
people. Jacques did this by
publishing a number of books
and films which showed his
explorations. In the 1940s,
Jacques helped to improve the
design of the aqualung. This
was similar to the equipment
which is used by divers today.
Page 1 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
Sylvia has written lots
of books and has taken
part in many talks and
documentaries about marine
wildlife. She encourages
people to think about the
effects that too much fishing
has on the world’s oceans.
Sylvia Earle
Sylvia Alice Earle was born in
New Jersey, USA, on the 30th
August 1935. She is a famous
marine biologist.
In 1998, a popular magazine Sylvia has started an
awarded Sylvia with the title organisation which aims to
of Hero for the Planet. A year protect 30% of the world’s
later, she became an explorer oceans by 2030. The plan is
in residence for a worldwide to do this by making areas
company; a job title that she called ‘hope spots’. This
still holds today. is where marine wildlife
is protected. By 2018, 94
hope spots had already been
created around the world.
Page 2 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
In 1985, Robert found the
missing remains of the RMS
Titanic at the bottom of the
ocean. Before finding the
RMS Titanic, Robert had been
asked to look for two lost
submarines. With his team,
he found the two submarines
Robert Ballard on the sea floor.
Robert Duane Ballard was
born on the 30th June 1942
in the USA. He is a retired
United States navy officer.
In addition, he is a marine
archaeologist and he finds
lost shipwrecks.
The submarines had broken Glossary
apart in the deep sea and archaeologist: A person who
Robert used the way that studies human history by
they had broken to help him looking at artefacts
to find the remains of the and remains.
RMS Titanic. biologist: A scientist who
studies living things.
Most recently, Robert has
marine: Something that is
decided that he is going
related to or found in the sea.
to search for the remains
oceanographer: A scientist who
of Amelia Earhart’s plane.
studies anything relating to
She was a pilot who
the ocean.
mysteriously disappeared
while trying to fly around
the world.
Page 3 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
Questions
1. Who started an organisation? Tick one.
Jacques Cousteau
Sylvia Earle
Robert Ballard
Amelia Earhart
2. Match the events to the year in which they occurred.
Jacques Cousteau was born. 1910
Sylvia Earle was awarded the title of Hero for the Planet. 1940s
Jacques Cousteau improved the design of the aqualung. 1942
Robert Ballard was born. 1998
3. What has Robert Ballard most recently decided to search for? Tick one.
the RMS Titanic
a missing navy ship
Amelia Earhart’s plane
two submarines
4. Look at the section on Sylvia Earle.
Number the events from 1-4 to show the order in which they occurred. One of them has
been done for you.
A popular magazine awarded Sylvia with a new title.
94 hope spots had been created around the world.
Sylvia was born.
3 Sylvia became an explorer in residence.
5. Why did Jacques Cousteau have to leave the French naval academy?
Page 1 of 2 visit [Link]
Questions - Deep Sea Explorers
6. Look at the section on Robert Ballard.
Find and copy one word which shows that nobody knew where the remains of the RMS
Titanic were.
7. Would you like to be a deep sea explorer? Explain your answer.
Page 2 of 2 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
Answers
1. Who started an organisation? Tick one.
Jacques Cousteau
Sylvia Earle
Robert Ballard
Amelia Earhart
2. Match the events to the year in which they occurred.
Jacques Cousteau was born. 1910
Sylvia Earle was awarded the title of Hero for the Planet. 1940s
Jacques Cousteau improved the design of the aqualung. 1942
Robert Ballard was born. 1998
3. What has Robert Ballard most recently decided to search for? Tick one.
the RMS Titanic
a missing navy ship
Amelia Earhart’s plane
two submarines
4. Look at the section on Sylvia Earle.
Number the events from 1-4 to show the order in which they occurred. One of them has
been done for you.
2 A popular magazine awarded Sylvia with a new title.
4 94 hope spots had been created around the world.
1 Sylvia was born.
3 Sylvia became an explorer in residence.
5. Why did Jacques Cousteau have to leave the French naval academy?
Jacques Cousteau had to leave the French naval academy because he had an accident
and broke both of his arms.
Page 1 of 2 visit [Link]
Answers - Deep Sea Explorers
6. Look at the section on Robert Ballard.
Find and copy one word which shows that nobody knew where the remains of the RMS
Titanic were.
missing
7. Would you like to be a deep sea explorer? Explain your answer.
Pupils’ own responses, such as: I would really like to be a deep sea explorer because
there are so many places in the ocean that have not yet been discovered and I would
like to be the person who discovers them. I also like winning awards and lots of the
explorers in this text have won awards.
Page 2 of 2 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
For thousands of years, people have been in awe about the mysteries of the
world’s oceans. Read on to find out about three explorers and their missions to
discover what lies beneath the waves.
After breaking both of his
arms in an accident, Jacques
had to leave the French naval
academy. While he was
recovering, Jacques swam
in the Mediterranean Sea
every day. He wore a pair
of swimming goggles that
Jacques Cousteau his friend had given to him.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau was Many people think that this
born on the 11th June 1910 is when Jacques first fell in
in France. He was a famous love with the ocean.
oceanographer.
Jacques was inspired by the In the 1940s, Jacques helped
mysteries of the ocean and to improve the design of the
he wanted to show people aqualung. This improvement
things that they had never led to the invention of
seen before. He did this by modern-day diving equipment.
publishing a number of books,
In 1985, Jacques was awarded
films and documentaries
the Presidential Medal of
which showed the things that
Freedom. This is an award
he had discovered during his
given to people who have
explorations.
contributed significantly to the
national interests of the United
States of America.
Page 1 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
Sylvia has written many
books and taken part in
a number of talks and
documentaries about marine
wildlife. These encourage
people to think about the
effects that overfishing and
pollution have on the
Sylvia Earle world’s oceans.
Sylvia Alice Earle was born
in New Jersey, USA, on the
30th August 1935. She is a
famous marine biologist who
is well known for her work
on marine conservation.
In 1998, a popular magazine Sylvia has started a marine
recognised Sylvia’s work conservation organisation
on marine conservation by which aims to protect 30%
awarding her with the title of the world’s oceans by the
of Hero for the Planet. A year year 2030. The plan is to
later, she became an explorer do this by creating areas
in residence for a worldwide called ‘hope spots’ where
company; a job title that she marine wildlife is protected.
still holds today. By 2018, 94 hope spots had
already been created around
the world.
Page 2 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
In 1985, Robert found the lost
wreckage of the RMS Titanic.
The United States navy agreed
to pay for the mission if Robert
could first find two of their
missing submarines.
Robert found the remains of
Robert Ballard the two missing submarines
Robert Duane Ballard was
and worked with his team to
born on the 30th June 1942
discover how they had broken
in the USA. He is a retired
apart in the deep water.
United States navy officer
Incredibly, they were able to
and an oceanography
use this information to help
teacher. In addition, he is
them to find the sunken
also a marine archaeologist
RMS Titanic.
and he finds lost shipwrecks.
During his life, Robert has
found several other missing Glossary
shipwrecks at the bottom archaeologist: A person who
of the world’s oceans. Most studies human history by
recently, he has announced looking at artefacts
that he plans to search and remains.
for the remains of Amelia conservation: Protection of the
Earhart’s plane. She was the natural environment
first female pilot to fly solo and wildlife.
across the Atlantic Ocean
and mysteriously disappeared oceanographer: A scientist who
while attempting to fly around studies anything relating to
the world. the ocean.
Page 3 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
Questions
1. Number the events from 1-4 to show the order in which they occurred.
Jacques Cousteau helped to improve the design of the aqualung.
94 hope spots had been created around the world.
Sylvia was born.
Jacques Cousteau was born.
2. Which of these has not been one of Robert Ballard’s jobs. Tick one.
oceanography teacher
archaeology teacher
marine archaeologist
United States navy officer
3. Draw four lines to match each achievement to the explorer who achieved it. Some explorers
may have more than one achievement.
discovered the wreckage of the RMS Titanic
Jacques Cousteau
was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Sylvia Earle
helped to improve the design of the aqualung
Robert Ballard
started an organisation to protect the oceans
4. What are hope spots? Tick one.
areas of conservation which will start being built in 2030
areas where marine wildlife is protected
areas of land or sea where all wildlife is protected
areas where people can learn about the effects of overfishing
5. Look at the section on Jacques Cousteau.
Find and copy one word which means ‘helped towards’.
Page 1 of 2 visit [Link]
Questions - Deep Sea Explorers
6. What did Robert Ballard and his team use to help them to find the wreckage of the
RMS Titanic?
7. Do you think that Sylvia Earle deserves the title of Hero for the Planet? Explain
your answer.
8. Imagine that the text has been taken from a book called Underwater Explorers. In 20
words or fewer, write a blurb for the book.
Page 2 of 2 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
Answers
1. Number the events from 1-4 to show the order in which they occurred.
3 Jacques Cousteau helped to improve the design of the aqualung.
4 94 hope spots had been created around the world.
2 Sylvia was born.
1 Jacques Cousteau was born.
2. Which of these has not been one of Robert Ballard’s jobs. Tick one.
oceanography teacher
archaeology teacher
marine archaeologist
United States navy officer
3. Draw four lines to match each achievement to the explorer who achieved it. Some explorers
may have more than one achievement.
discovered the wreckage of the RMS Titanic
Jacques Cousteau
was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Sylvia Earle
helped to improve the design of the aqualung
Robert Ballard
started an organisation to protect the oceans
4. What are hope spots? Tick one.
areas of conservation which will start being built in 2030
areas where marine wildlife is protected
areas of land or sea where all wildlife is protected
areas where people can learn about the effects of overfishing
5. Look at the section on Jacques Cousteau.
Find and copy one word which means ‘helped towards’.
contributed
Page 1 of 2 visit [Link]
Answers - Deep Sea Explorers
6. What did Robert Ballard and his team use to help them to find the wreckage of the RMS
Titanic?
Robert Ballard and his team used the information from the broken submarines to help
them to find the wreckage of the RMS Titanic.
7. Do you think that Sylvia Earle deserves the title of Hero for the Planet? Explain
your answer.
Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think that Sylvia Earle does deserve the title of Hero
for the Planet because she is trying to improve marine life by educating people and
starting her organisation. This makes her a hero for the planet.
8. Imagine that the text has been taken from a book called Underwater Explorers. In 20
words or fewer, write a blurb for the book.
Pupils’ own responses, such as: Discover an underwater world! Find out more about the
people who explore new places and search for sunken treasures.
Page 2 of 2 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
For thousands of years, people have been awestruck and intrigued by the
mysteries of the world’s oceans. Read on to find out about three explorers and
their missions to discover what lies beneath the waves.
After an unpleasant accident
in which he broke both of his
arms, Jacques had to leave the
French naval academy. As part
of his rehabilitation, Jacques
swam in the Mediterranean
Sea every day using a pair
of swimming goggles that
Jacques Cousteau his friend had given to him.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau is a Many people believe that this
famous oceanographer who is when Jacques first fell in
was born on the 11th June love with the ocean.
1910 in France.
Jacques was inspired by the In 1985, Jacques was awarded
mysteries of the ocean and the Presidential Medal of
he wanted to show previously Freedom – an award given to
inaccessible places to the public. those who have contributed
He did this by creating and significantly to the national
publishing a number of books, interests of the United States
films and documentaries which of America.
described his explorations.
In the 1940s, Jacques helped
to improve the design of
the aqualung; this was an
invention which led to the
creation of modern-day diving
equipment.
Page 1 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
An avid spokesperson for
marine wildlife, Sylvia has
written many books and
taken part in a number of
talks and documentaries.
These encourage people to
consider the effects that
overfishing and pollution
Sylvia Earle have on the world’s oceans.
Sylvia Alice Earle was born
in New Jersey, USA, on the
30th August 1935. She is a
famous marine biologist who
is most noted for her work
on marine conservation.
Testimony to her dedication An ongoing project of
to marine conservation, a Sylvia’s is the organisation
popular magazine awarded she started which aims to
Sylvia with the title of Hero conserve marine wildlife. Her
for the Planet in 1998. A organisation has pledged to
year later, she became an protect 30% of the world’s
explorer in residence for a oceans by the year 2030,
global company; a job title aiming to do this by creating
that she still holds today. areas called ‘hope spots’
where marine wildlife is
protected. By 2018, 94
hope spots had already been
created around the world.
Page 2 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
In 1985, Robert located the
wreckage of the RMS Titanic.
This was an expensive mission
and the United States navy
agreed to fund it if Robert
Robert Ballard could first find two of their
Robert Duane Ballard was missing submarines.
born on the 30th June
1942 in the USA. He is a
retired United States navy
officer and a professor of
oceanography. Alongside
this, he is also a marine
archaeologist and specialises
in finding lost shipwrecks.
After discovering the wreckage Robert has since tracked
of both submarines, Robert down several other missing
and his team studied the way wreckages at the bottom
that they had broken down of the world’s oceans. Most
in the deep water. Incredibly, recently, he has announced
they were able to use this that he intends to search
information to help them to for the remains of Amelia
find the sunken RMS Titanic. Earhart’s plane. She was the
first female pilot to fly solo
across the Atlantic Ocean
and mysteriously disappeared
while attempting to fly around
the world.
Page 3 of 3 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
Questions
1. Which of these people is a marine archaeologist? Tick one.
Jacques Cousteau
Sylvia Earle
Robert Ballard
Amelia Earhart
2. Her organisation has pledged to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by the year 2030.
Tick one word which is closest in meaning to the word pledged.
tried
withdrawn
helped
committed
3. Why did Jacques Cousteau swim in the Mediterranean Sea every day?
4. Look at the section on Jacques Cousteau.
Find and copy one word which shows that Jacques wasn’t the original inventor
of the aqualung.
5. What evidence does the text give to show that Sylvia Earle is still an explorer?
6. Sylvia Earle was given the title Hero for the Planet.
What title would you give Robert Ballard? Explain your answer.
Page 1 of 2 visit [Link]
Questions - Deep Sea Explorers
7. Robert Ballard has recently announced that he is going to search for Amelia Earhart’s
plane. Do you think that he will find it? Explain your answer.
8. After reading this information text, would you like to become an explorer?
Tick one.
yes no
Fully explain your answer.
Page 2 of 2 visit [Link]
Deep Sea Explorers
Answers
1. Which of these people is a marine archaeologist? Tick one.
Jacques Cousteau
Sylvia Earle
Robert Ballard
Amelia Earhart
2. Her organisation has pledged to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by the year 2030.
Tick one word which is closest in meaning to the word pledged.
tried
withdrawn
helped
committed
3. Why did Jacques Cousteau swim in the Mediterranean Sea every day?
Jacques Cousteau swam in the Mediterranean Sea every day as part of his
rehabilitation after suffering with two broken arms.
4. Look at the section on Jacques Cousteau.
Find and copy one word which shows that Jacques wasn’t the original inventor
of the aqualung.
Accept one of the following: helped; improve.
5. What evidence does the text give to show that Sylvia Earle is still an explorer?
The text says that Sylvia Earle is still an explorer in residence ‘to this day’ which shows
that she is still an explorer.
6. Sylvia Earle was given the title Hero for the Planet.
What title would you give Robert Ballard? Explain your answer.
Pupils’ own responses, such as: I would give Robert Ballard the title King of the Deep
because he has been able to find lots of wreckages which have been missing for a long
time and that nobody else has been able to find.
7. Robert Ballard has recently announced that he is going to search for Amelia Earhart’s
plane. Do you think that he will find it? Explain your answer.
Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think that Robert Ballard will find Amelia Earhart’s
plane because he managed to find the wreckage of the RMS Titanic when that was lost.
He is an expert at finding missing wrecks at the bottom of the ocean.
Page 1 of 2 visit [Link]
Answers - Deep Sea Explorers
8. After reading this information text, would you like to become an explorer?
Tick one.
Accept either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ provided that a full explanation is also given, such as: Yes,
I would like to be an explorer. Both Sylvia Earle and Robert Ballard are still exploring
today which shows that it must be a really fun job for them to be doing it for so long. I
would also really like to see things that nobody else has, just like Jacques Cousteau.
Page 2 of 2 visit [Link]
