The Submarine

A submarine is a boat built to go underwater. It can dive deep and stay down for a long time. Submarines have strong metal walls to push back the heavy water. They fill tanks with water to sink and push the water out to rise. Some submarines can even travel around the whole world without coming up.

First Submarines

The first working submarine was made in 1620 by a Dutch man named Cornelis Drebbel. It was made of wood and covered in leather. It was powered by oars. During the American Civil War, a submarine called the Hunley sank an enemy ship. Modern submarines run on diesel engines or nuclear power.

What They Do

Navies around the world use submarines. They can hide under the sea to stay safe. Scientists also use small submarines to explore the deep ocean. These are called submersibles. They have strong lights and cameras to study sea life. Some have gone over 6 miles deep.

Fun Facts

• Nuclear submarines can stay underwater for months at a time.
• The deepest part of the ocean is called the Mariana Trench.
• A submarine uses a periscope to see above the water.

Did You Know?

Submarines use sonar to find things underwater. Sonar sends out sound waves and listens for the echoes.