“Current Event Connection” posts will connect educators with news stories and relevant discussion ideas featuring content from the NG Education website.
SCIENCE You’ve probably heard claims that a blue whale’s heart is the size of a car, and that people could swim through their aortas. Well . . . (BBC) Size yourself up to a blue whale with our activity. Teachers, scroll down for a short list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The blue whale is the largest animal ever to have … Continue reading How Big is a Blue Whale’s Heart?
GEOGRAPHY Just as New York commuters can plot their subway routes, residents of Nairobi can now jack into the city’s informal bus system on their smartphones. (Wired) Use our GeoStory to navigate other transit systems around the world. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources, including pocket-sized and wall-sized versions of the new Nairobi transit map. Discussion Ideas The terrific new mapping … Continue reading Mapping Matatus
UNITED STATES Where did people go? Where are they coming from now? A new map shows where families relocated after the storm—and where new arrivals are coming from. (NOLA.com-The Times-Picayune) Get the basics on Hurricane Katrina here. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. If the NOLA.com map isn’t working, this StoryMap is a terrific alternative. Be sure … Continue reading Mapping Migration after Hurricane Katrina
BUSINESS Stock market plunges are in the news, but don’t panic! We’re here to help. Get to know your finance jargon. (BBC and Investopedia) Check out our collection of resources on economics and finance. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources. Discussion Ideas What is a “market”? A market refers to a place where buyers and sellers can interact. A market can be … Continue reading What’s a Bear Market, Anyway? And Why Is It Called That?
SCIENCE Now that Washington, D.C.’s panda has surprised the world with twin cubs, zoo staff are working ’round the clock to help the babies through their first fragile weeks of life. (Nat Geo News) Learn about pandas from Nat Geo Kids, then click on China in our “GIS in Action” interactive to learn more about the threats they face. Teachers, scroll down for a quick … Continue reading Panda Twins Face 4 Big Threats to Survival
