#ThatsGeography: How I use VR in Cross-Curricular Teaching (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

This post was written by educator Katie Harnish. Near the school where I teach, the kids live in a lot of high-density housing and have limited access to green space. My school sits on a big campus and I thought it was a real opportunity for students to go out and explore, take an explorer mindset, and make a guidebook to teach others about our … Continue reading #ThatsGeography: How I use VR in Cross-Curricular Teaching (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

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 Immersive Stimuli to Drive Student Inquiry

As student inquiry becomes a primary focus of social studies and science instruction, educators across the nation are designing lessons that challenge learners to ask and answer their own questions. Asking effective questions is a critical authentic skill, yet it can be challenging, especially for learners new to the inquiry process. Continue reading Strategy Share: Using Immersive Stimuli to Drive Student Inquiry

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