Strategy Share: Coding and Innovation for Our Planet’s Future

On my Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship expedition to Norway, I saw first-hand evidence of our changing global climate and developed the passion and desire to ask, “What can we do?” In my classroom, I have developed a culture of innovation and technological design. Was there a way I could work with my students to develop innovative, technological solutions to increase their awareness of our global impact? Continue reading Strategy Share: Coding and Innovation for Our Planet’s Future

Educator Spotlight: Designing Sustainable Cities

Reggie Vasquez challenged his fifth-graders to design a future city incorporating sustainable and alternative energy sources. Students used the inquiry process and education technology, such as green screen, virtual reality, and mapping tools, to create public service announcements explaining their sustainable cities. What inspired you to create a National Geographic Educator Certification project focused on designing sustainable cities? My young children, my students, my passion … Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Designing Sustainable Cities

Strategy Share: Using 360-Degree Technology to Engage Student Explorers

Immersive technology speaks to how my ninth-graders experience the world. Students drive their own learning, curiosity, and exploration. I can hear students yell with excitement as they discover new things and make connections to what they already know. Those who have a hard time sitting still can use motion as an asset to their learning. Continue reading Strategy Share: Using 360-Degree Technology to Engage Student Explorers

Strategy Share: Creating Podcasts in the Classroom

Student-created podcasts are a fun, creative way for students to learn and for teachers to assess content knowledge. In my experience, students have been completely engaged while they learned and reviewed information, practiced collaboration, conducted research, and presented their work to others. Continue reading Strategy Share: Creating Podcasts in the Classroom

Art and Geography

Two of my loves in life are art and geography; and, it seems, there are others that share my passions. An increasing number of artists are incorporating the themes of geography into their art. Meet a few during American Artist Appreciation Month! Valerie Ostenak Celebrating nature, celebrating the diversity of things that are growing, I’m part of the creative part of the universe. Valerie Ostenak … Continue reading Art and Geography