Quake and Tsunami Strike New Zealand

WORLD A magnitude 7.8 quake struck New Zealand’s South Island, and a tsunami followed. (BBC) Use or 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 are caused by the movement of tectonic plates far below Earth’s … Continue reading Quake and Tsunami Strike New Zealand

How Chinese Refugees Saved the Sweet Potato

FOOD In the 1940s, Joe and Fay Gock fled to New Zealand from China. In the best video you’ll watch all week, see how they repaid their host country by rescuing a staple crop—the sweet potato—after a disease ravaged much of the country’s supply. (The Atlantic) Use our sweet, sweet map layer to see where sweet potatoes are being produced. We have two teaching strategies … Continue reading How Chinese Refugees Saved the Sweet Potato

New Flag for New Zealand?

WORLD Over the next three weeks, the people of New Zealand will decide if they want to adopt a new flag or stick with the one they’ve flown for more than a century. (NPR) Adapt our activity to create your own flag. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including a link to today’s poll. Discussion Ideas Read … Continue reading New Flag for New Zealand?

#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