This Week in Geographic History: February 19-25

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 or lesson plan so you can plan ahead. Check out our Pinterest board for more related resources! Monday, February 19 TDIGH: Rescuers Reach the Donner Party The Donner Party … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History: February 19-25

11 Things We Learned This Week

This week, we learned … … why isochrone maps are making a comeback. Use our activity to help students map time and distance in their school or community.     … the key to raising a happy kid. What is the key to making a happy tweet? It may be geography.     … it’s not quite the end of The World, but it’s close. … Continue reading 11 Things We Learned This Week

Project Kakuma: 150 Educators Across 6 Continents Offering Free Education to African Refugees via Skype

 By Koen Timmers We are living in an era in which refugees have become ubiquitous. Due to war and conflicts in places like Sudan, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and DR Congo, many people are on run. But how do you talk about refugees, conflicts, and poverty without turning them into clichés and without having eye-rolling students? By sharing uplifting stories and showing pictures, we can create some … Continue reading Project Kakuma: 150 Educators Across 6 Continents Offering Free Education to African Refugees via Skype

Potentially Powerful New Antibiotic Discovered in Dirt

SCIENCE A new class of microorganisms kills drug-resistant “superbugs”—and lives in dirt. (Washington Post) Learn more about antibiotics and the biotics they target with our Q&A here. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research outlines the discovery of a new strain of antibiotics found in dirt. What are antibiotics? Use our resource here for … Continue reading Potentially Powerful New Antibiotic Discovered in Dirt

Super Wood Is Stronger Than Steel

SCIENCE Densifying lumber can increase its strength tenfold. (Popular Mechanics) Learn more about this eco-friendly renewable resource here. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas How have scientists created a “super wood” that is stronger and more durable than metal? Read through the great Popular Mechanics article for some help. densification. Researchers used an innovative two-step process … Continue reading Super Wood Is Stronger Than Steel