Alaska: The Last Frontier of Farming

UNITED STATES As cheaper technology and a changing climate make growing food easier, more Alaskans are turning to farming. (High Country News) When is Alaska’s growing season? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit Text Set. Discussion Ideas What makes Alaska’s physical geography ideal for farming? Alaska’s geologic activity has created rich soil. “Thanks to built-up organic matter … Continue reading Alaska: The Last Frontier of Farming

Educator Spotlight: What’s a Food Computer?!

Tracy Polte, this week’s Educator of the Week, blends technological problem solving with natural science education—starting as early as kindergarten. She worked with National Geographic Explorer Caleb Harper to incorporate “food computers” into classrooms. Tracy is the science department chair and STEAM coordinator—and she teaches 1st, 2nd, and 7th grade—at Shady Hill School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A Little Background: Who is Caleb Harper and what … Continue reading Educator Spotlight: What’s a Food Computer?!

Weekly Warm-Up: 5 Ways to Inspire Student Environmentalists in Time for Earth Day

Nearly 50 years ago, the first Earth Day inspired millions of Americans and helped spark the modern environmental movement. Yet today the issues Earth Day brings to light—climate change, water pollution, deforestation, and many others—remain as relevant as ever. Wondering how to introduce your students to Earth Day? Check out our National Geographic Explorer! magazine article, “Celebrate Earth,” and our corresponding activity. Ready to dive … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: 5 Ways to Inspire Student Environmentalists in Time for Earth Day

Demise of the Clones

FOOD A fungus that threatens the world’s most popular fruit is spreading. Could this be the end of bananas? (SciShow) Use our resources to learn more about bananas and other fresh fruits and vegetables. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas According to the 5-minute SciShow video, the Cavendish bananas we see in the store are … Continue reading Demise of the Clones

Food Fight

FOOD Which has more firepower: an air-to-air missile or a Roma tomato? One can down an aircraft, but the other can cripple a food industry. (Nat Geo Voices blog) Use our resources to better understand food security. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas President Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders are considering food sanctions against … Continue reading Food Fight