“Current Event Connection” posts will connect educators with news stories and relevant discussion ideas featuring content from the NG Education website.
ENVIRONMENT Germany’s relentless push into renewable energy has implications far beyond its shores. By creating huge demand for wind turbines and solar panels, it has helped lure big Chinese manufacturers into the market, and that combination is driving down costs faster than almost anyone thought possible just a few years ago. (New York Times) Use our resources to learn more about renewable energy. Discussion Ideas … Continue reading Energiewende? Energy what?
GEOGRAPHY In the jungles of Hawaii’s Big Island, wild cattle are the biggest—and most dangerous—game. But what are they even doing there? (Modern Farmer) Use our resources to learn more about invasive species. Discussion Questions The cattle roaming Hawaii’s Big Island are a non-native species, meaning they are not indigenous to the region. Where are Hereford cattle native? How did they get to Hawaii? (Hint: … Continue reading Stalking the Wild Steer in Hawaii
SCIENCE One of the most famous ships lost in the 19th century has been located in the Canadian Arctic, prompting Prime Minister Stephen Harper to declare that “one of Canada’s greatest mysteries” has been solved. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to find your own shipwreck! Discussion Ideas The “lost ships” of the Franklin expedition were called the H.M.S. Erebus and H.M.S. Terror. What does … Continue reading Shipwreck Solves ‘One of Canada’s Greatest Mysteries’
WORLD On September 18, Scottish voters will answer a simple question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the referendum. (Guardian) Use our resources to get an idea about how long England and Scotland have been debating this issue. Discussion Ideas Scots will go to the polls next week to answer Yes or No to a simple, … Continue reading Scots Free?
BUSINESS The Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba will go public this month in what could be the largest initial public offering in U.S. history—Alibaba has more active users than Amazon and eBay combined. (Christian Science Monitor) Use our resources to understand how geo-education contributes to a better understanding of 21st-century business. Discussion Ideas The giant Chinese company Alibaba will have its initial public offering (IPO) this … Continue reading Alibaba, IPO
