Cape Town Faces ‘Day Zero’ Without Freshwater

ENVIRONMENT Cape Town is edging closer to ‘Day Zero’, the long-feared time when the city will run out of freshwater. (Geographical and the Los Angeles Times) Where does Cape Town get its water supply? Use today’s MapMaker Interactive map to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas Where does … Continue reading Cape Town Faces ‘Day Zero’ Without Freshwater

10 Things We Learned This Week!

What did you learn this week? Let us know in the comments or at education@ngs.org. This week, we learned … … there is a secret library in Syria—and users dodge bullets to reach it. Learn more about the civil war in Syria here.     … students who take AP classes don’t actually get better grades. Still interested in AP? Try material from our AP … Continue reading 10 Things We Learned This Week!

Drought Forces Zimbabwe to Sell Animals

WORLD If you’re in the market for purchasing wildlife, you could get a good deal in Zimbabwe. The drought-racked country has put its wild animals up for sale in a bid to ease financial pressure on its national parks. (International Business Times) Learn a little about droughts with our “Droughts 101” video. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ … Continue reading Drought Forces Zimbabwe to Sell Animals

500-Year Snow Fail in California’s Iconic Mountains

ENVIRONMENT The Sierra Nevada’s snowpack is at a 500-year low. No wonder why skiers, hikers, farmers, forests, and virtually every other living thing in California are feeling the effects. (Nat Geo News) Learn more about California’s megadrought. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas How have scientists determined that this year’s snowpack is the lowest it … Continue reading 500-Year Snow Fail in California’s Iconic Mountains

5 Things to Know About California’s Water Crisis

ENVIRONMENT Last week, California Governor Jerry Brown announced his state’s first-ever mandatory water restrictions. Here are five things you need to know about California’s water situation. (Nat Geo News) Learn all about drought with our encyclopedic entry. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including why this matters to people outside California. Discussion Ideas Read through the short … Continue reading 5 Things to Know About California’s Water Crisis