Why Vultures Avoid Portugal

ENVIRONMENT New research shows a trend of vultures avoiding Portugal in favor of Spain, and human activity is likely to blame. (BBC) How else are vultures adapting their species ranges? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Portugal is a nice place! Why are vultures avoiding it? Read through the short BBC article for some help. … Continue reading Why Vultures Avoid Portugal

Stop, Think, and React to New Information when Reading Nonfiction

by Stephanie Harvey An adage attributed to E.B. White reminds us to “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” You can’t help but ask questions and react to information in a room filled-to-bursting with great text, stirring images, and actively engaged students. Content-rich classrooms create irresistible, stimulating environments that fuel kids’ natural curiosity. The real world is fascinating and compelling, so let’s … Continue reading Stop, Think, and React to New Information when Reading Nonfiction

Seal Scat, Plastic Pollution

ENVIRONMENT Tiny pieces of plastics are turning up in the feces of seals that feed on whole fish, demonstrating how seaborne contamination can move up the food chain. (Seeker) Use our inquiry-based activity to help guide student discussion about human impact on ocean animals. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research documents the presence … Continue reading Seal Scat, Plastic Pollution

This Week in Geographic History: March 12-18

Here’s an advance look at some of the “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events coming up this week. For each date, we’ve matched it with a map or visual, background information, and a classroom activity so you can plan ahead. Check out our Pinterest board for additional resources! Wednesday, March 14 TDIGH 1879: Happy Birthday, Albert Einstein The German theoretical physicist invented the most … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History: March 12-18

11 Things We Learned This Week

This week, we learned … … how a “somewhat dreamy scholar” sent fake typhus vaccines to Nazi soldiers and provided the real thing to fellow inmates at Buchenwald. Read of the week! Put Buchenwald in context with our interactive timeline of World War II in Europe.     … how illegal gold mining is threatening cocoa farmers—and your chocolate. Where does your chocolate come from? … Continue reading 11 Things We Learned This Week