Deadliest Earthquake of the Year Strikes Iran

WORLD The deadliest earthquake of 2017 struck Iran and Iraq late Sunday evening, rocking the two countries and killing more than 400 people. (National Geographic) Use our video to better understand earthquakes. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map.   Discussion Ideas In our video “Earthquakes 101,” we learn that most earthquakes … Continue reading Deadliest Earthquake of the Year Strikes Iran

Powerful Picture Books & Graphic Novels (Possibly overlooked in the classroom but not by censors)

  When I was a new teacher, I often overlooked the power of picture books and graphic novels in my junior high classroom. I was afraid that if an administrator walked in and they saw me using a picture book or a graphic novel, they would think I was crazy and that I was babying my students. I fear that many new teachers miss out … Continue reading Powerful Picture Books & Graphic Novels (Possibly overlooked in the classroom but not by censors)

Iran’s Centuries-Old Windmills May Soon Stop Turning

WORLD Without regular attention, Iran’s centuries-old windmills may one day stop. (Nat Geo News) How do windmills and wind turbines work? Use our resource to better understand wind energy. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including a link to today’s easy locator map. Discussion Ideas The windmills of Nashtifan, Iran, have been operating for between 500 and … Continue reading Iran’s Centuries-Old Windmills May Soon Stop Turning

This Week in Geographic History, October 31 – November 6

Here’s an advance look at a 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 so you can plan ahead. Monday, October 31 TDIGH: Day of 7 Billion In 2011 the UN recognized that the worldwide population had reached 7 billion; it is … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History, October 31 – November 6

Sunnis and Shiites: Why are Saudi Arabia and Iran at Odds?

WORLD Demonstrations erupted across the Middle East as Shiite Muslims protested Saudi Arabia’s execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Who was Sheikh Nimr, and what are the differences between Sunni and Shiite Islam? (Irish Examiner) Use our resources to learn more about the historic differences between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ … Continue reading Sunnis and Shiites: Why are Saudi Arabia and Iran at Odds?