For years National Geographic has been working to expand people’s knowledge of the world and its complex environments, cultures, and connections.
But a new survey of young Americans’ geographic knowledge shows that they’re falling short. We’re realizing that we need more than just resources for schools. We need a movement. And the My Wonderful World campaign is designed to get people thinking, talking, and acting.
Most important in any campaign, of course, is the message. Ours is simple: Everyone—parents, educators, business and community leaders, and kids and teens themselves—can take action to help the next generation be prepared for an interconnected world.
How can you take part in a global economy when you can’t find Japan or New York on a map? How can you plan for a call with someone in Singapore if you don’t know time zones?
Global knowledge is essential. It’s a no brainer. Kids who understand the world today can succeed in it tomorrow. So join us in thinking, talking, and taking action—and help us spread the word about My Wonderful World.
New: See who’s visiting the My Wonderful World Blog! Blogflux uses Google Earth maps to plot blog visitors. Just click here:
Thank you for launching this excellent site. We have more “wonderful” resources than ever before at our fingertips for geographic literacy–research results, texts, GIS technology, GPS technology, web mapping services (nationalatlas.gov, terraserver-usa.com, others), virtual globes (ArcGIS Explorer, NASA WorldWind, Google Earth), Geography Bees and World Geographic Bowls, enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers, support staff (such as those of us in federal agencies, private industry, nonprofits, professional societies such as NCGE, RGS, and AAG) and students who get excited about learning about our World. I ask, what is missing? At the same time, given our local, regional, and global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urban sprawl, water quality and availability, crime, natural hazards, and more, the need for geography education has never been greater. How can we ramp up geography education to the next level so that our societies TRULY value geography and want to increase it throughout education?
Joseph Kerski, USGS, Geographer