NOTE: Read "Background" below the questions before answering.

1. When was the last time Lake Superior was completely frozen over?

2. a) What percent of the five Great Lakes are frozen over so far this year?
b) How does this compare with the record amount from 1979?

3. a) What/where are the Soo Locks?
b) How many ships travel through the Soo Locks each year?
c) Between what months are the Locks closed - for what reason?

4. a) When are the Soo Locks scheduled to reopen?
b) How will the ice coverage on Lake Superior affect shipping?

5. a) What type of cargo is shipped in large amounts across Lake Superior?
b) What percent of this cargo gets shipped during the icebreaking season?

6. a) What does the Interlake Steamship Company ship across the lakes?
b) How does Interlake's president Mark Barker view the problem with the frozen lakes?

7. a) Ask a parent if he/she remembers winters as cold as this one.
b) Ask a grandparent the same question.