Lightning Threatens Developing Countries

TECHNOLOGY Developing countries have long lists of problems—illiteracy, disease, hunger, corruption. There’s one more problem that has gotten less attention, until recently: Lightning strikes. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand lightning. Discussion Ideas Read through our activity “Measuring Weather.” How do you think meteorologists and other scientists measure lightning? Do you think they use any of the tools reviewed in the activity? … Continue reading Lightning Threatens Developing Countries

#GreatNature: That Time I Rode Shotgun With Santa Claus

This blog post was written by Amelia Tidona, National Geographic Social Media & Promotion Intern. We’re sharing National Geographic staff and friends’ stories about nature to celebrate the Great Nature Project. To share your own nature photos of plants and animals with National Geographic, visit greatnatureproject.org.  “I’m roadtripping to the Milford Sound tomorrow at 6am–feel free to join,” said a smiling, long grey-haired man named … Continue reading #GreatNature: That Time I Rode Shotgun With Santa Claus

Explaining Colorado’s Extreme Floods

ENVIRONMENT Experts say flash floods in the Boulder area, which have already claimed at least four lives, may be connected to fires and climate change. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand floods—their causes and their effects. Discussion Ideas According to the NG News article, President Obama declared emergencies in Boulder, Larimer, and El Paso counties. Look at our 1-Page Map of Colorado. … Continue reading Explaining Colorado’s Extreme Floods

Last Interview with a Storm Chaser

UNITED STATES Last Interview with a Storm Chaser Tim Samaras, a high-profile meteorologist and storm chaser, was killed in an Oklahoma twister last week. For years, Samaras has driven into the heart of tornadoes, equipment in hand, to learn more about them. Late last month, as tornado season was opening in Oklahoma, Samaras talked to National Geographic about what motivated him to engage in such … Continue reading Last Interview with a Storm Chaser

Twister Devastates Oklahoma

UNITED STATES Oklahoma Devastated by Twisters A powerful tornado roared through Oklahoma City on May 20, killing more than 50 people and leaving rescue workers frantically searching for survivors. This video shows the mile-wide tornado as it swirls near the Oklahoma City suburb of Newcastle. This video shows the aftermath of the deadly tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Discussion Ideas: Look at our “Forces of Nature” … Continue reading Twister Devastates Oklahoma