My Wonderful World Blog

Save Geography Education in Italy!

2010-01-26T20:21:09Z

"We the undersigned believe that to deprive ourselves of the knowledge systems supplied by geography, in a society that is increasingly globalised and complex, means depriving students of knowledge that is absolutely essential if they are to face the challenges of the world."

Sign the petition to save Italian geography education here.

Italy is engaged in a process of education reform this week, and many in the Italian geographic education community fear the proposed budget cuts could have severe consequences for geography curriculum nationwide.

One Italian friend pleads:

"We are trying to let the public know that geographical culture is fundamental in every country, in particular in present time and in a globalized societies.

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To cut geography does not mean to cut cost: it means to cut our culture and our potential to face the challenges of the world.

We will appreciate very much if you may subscribe our petition and if you can help us to let it circulate as much as possible in your geographic society and in your country. Thank you very much!" [sic]

My Wonderful World is happy to oblige. After all, fostering knowledge of the world's human and environmental systems is not just a critical national education priority, but an international necessity as well. MWW members: Please help us save geography education in Italy!

Sarah Jane for My Wonderful World

Oscillations of a Chilly Variety

2010-01-19T23:11:15Z

I returned from a trip to Boston this weekend to find much warmer temperatures in the nation's capital. Although I did not venture outside the office midday, Weather.com tells me today's high was in the mid-50s. Many around me are welcoming the shift to milder weather; I must admit I enjoyed the cold snap, and particularly the great Mid-Atlantic blizzard that blanketed the city in over a foot of snow just before the holiday "recess." Of course, I'm not a farmer dependent on seasonable conditions to sustain crop yields--and even I missed the fresh produce that succumbed to the frost when I visited the local market last month.

Why did the entire Eastern U.S. and much of Eurasia experience such a chilly several weeks? You may or may not have heard buzz about the Arctic Oscillation, a climatic phenomenon not unlike El Niño/La Niña. The main difference: The Arctic Oscillation (AO) is a north-south shift in pressure and temperature in the atmosphere and ocean, while El Niño/La Niña is an east-west shift in pressure and temperature. Well, at a basic level.

Check out this thematic map, which compares December 2009 surface temperatures with December 2000-2008 averages around the globe.

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At the bottom righthand corner of the page, you'll see the January 8th "image of the day," a satellite image showing snow across Great Britain. If you guessed that this uncharacteristic weather was a result of the AO, you're right!

A few reasons why geographers care about the AO:

1) Polar warming. Global warming has meant warmer average annual temperatures in polar regions such as Greenland and Alaska. This has resulted in the melting of glaciers, which impacts sea levels and animals like polar bears that rely on ice cover for hunting and shelter. A warmer-than-average winter could exacerbate an already troublesome situation.

2) Food distribution: Freezing temperatures threatened crops in the Southeastern U.S. such as strawberry, tomato, and citrus, which are primary food sources for other regions of the country.

3) The great climate "debate." The Arctic Oscillation is a natural, cyclical climate phenomenon that is NOT related to global warming. However, scientists fear that people's immediate experience of colder weather could increase public skepticism about global warming.

Image courtesy NASA Earth Observatory.

Sarah Jane for My Wonderful World

Do you hear what I hear?

2009-12-21T18:02:05Z

A friend sent me this story about a new iPhone app that lets you geotag your own musical journeys--and discover neighbors with similar tastes in music.

Think of it as Pandora with propinquity: Just like the popular internet radio station, Soundtrackr creates playlists based on users' favorite songs and artists. But then it goes one step further, allowing the user to tag favorite stations by where they listen. Then, by searching for similar locations and playlists, they can find out what others in their vicinity are tuning in to.

]]> The potential appplications for this tool are many, as a Wired article notes. For example, music marketers could use it to track trends and plan events in specific areas. In the future, it might even offer rich opportunities for augmented reality--imagine being able to literally "see" songs all around you, like walking down the street in the midst of your own music video.

For now, it enables those of us content with audio enhancement of our world to see who else is listening to the Rocky theme as they run up the Capitol steps, what on Earth that person across from us on the bus is rocking-out to, and who in our apartment building shares an affinity for Peter Frampton. Which may be a valuable service in an era when people no longer blast the bass from their boomboxes as readily as they once did, and are more likely to have private dance parties with their iPod earbuds (interestingly, the app developer lives in the apartment building of the friend who sent the link--not sure if she learned about it through face-to-face communication, or the tubes of the internet). It's certainly easier than knocking on a neighbor's door to introduce yourself. Or at least when you do knock on their door, you can discuss your mutual love for 80s hair bands over fruit cake.

Sarah Jane for My Wonderful World

Image courtesy Wired.com.

A Fond Farewell

2009-12-18T20:59:51Z

I knew that this day would come. I have been putting it off, ignoring it, pretending it wouldn't happen. I thought perhaps that if I didn't think about it, I wouldn't have to face reality. Sure, there were gentle reminders, the whispering in my ear that the clock was ticking. I brushed them aside, thinking "It's only October, it's only November, it's only..." But now the time has come.

It is time to write a blog about badgers.

Yes, badgers.

The gentle reminders? The ticking clock? Did you really think they were referring to the end of my internship? The reality is that I made a promise to my cousin Noah over a year ago, just as I began thinking about applying for this internship, that if I indeed went to work for National Geographic, I would write an article about badgers for him. He is a badger-fanatic, and feels that these furry guys just don't get enough press. I assured him that I if the opportunity presented itself, (not thinking it ever would) I would most surely write something about Meles meles.

Badger Victory #1: I got the internship.
Badger Set-Back #1: I was assigned to the Education Programs. "Sorry, Noah. Didn't get placed in the Magazine. Doesn't look like I'll be writing anything any time soon."
Badger Victory #2: The My Wonderful World blog. "Noah! I get to write for an NG blog! Badgers here we come!"
Badger Set-Back #2: I know absolutely nothing about badgers.

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Even if I did know a plethora about badgers, how was I supposed to integrate it into an educational geography blog? I have thought about, toiled over, and struggled with this question for nearly 4 months now. In the meanwhile, I was busy having some of the best months of my life. Every day was a new and exciting experience; I can't believe how much I've learned in my short time here. Being engaged with teachers and coordinators let me experience the enthusiasm and creativity that Geography brings to students around the country. I've blogged about tsunamis in Samoa, climate change in Copenhagen, and everything in between. I've met fantastic people throughout the Society that share my great love for geography. I've done a lot since September, but it's now my last day as the My Wonderful World intern and I only have one regret:

I still don't know anything about badgers.

Noah, perhaps I've failed you. Or perhaps this post will assuage your badger mutterings. Instead of writing anything constructive about badgers, I will leave you all with this challenge:

Follow your passion. If you are intrigued by this post, look up the differences between American and European badgers; I'm sure you'll find some interesting discoveries. If you love Mathematics, pursue it. In college, I abandoned my Pharmacy track to become a Geographer. My parents begged me to reconsider; "What can you do with a Geography major, Maggie?" Well Mom, I think I've done alright for myself. I got myself to National Geographic, right? Now if only I knew just a little more about badgers...

Maggie for My Wonderful World

Make a Gingerbread Global Village: Addendum

2009-12-15T22:43:32Z

Since posting last week's entry, "Make a gingerbread global village," I've taken some better photos of my own attempts. Here they are, so that you might better study our engineering calculations and geographic detailings:

Sarah Jane's adobe hut, with igloo peeking out from behind

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Mary and Shalini's Victorian estate; note the stained-glass windows and tree house

I also came a across a series of articles from Treehugger.com about eco-new-age gingerbread designs, which includes great photos, templates, and step-by-step instructions for constructing the innovative works featured. Apparently, there's even a Toronto-based competition of "Modern Prefab[ricated] Gingerbread Houses."

My favorite is architect Michelle Kaufmann's Ginger Lotus. Download her beautifully designed PDF with recipes for the gingerbread and icing, tips, and commentary on the "green" elements of her design.

Finally, just wanted to note that I took Kim Hulse's advice and read Cajun Night Before Christmas. What a trip! I love the French/Cajun words, names and phrases, such as the gumbo in the chimney and St. Nick's "alligators" Gaston, Tiboy, Pierre, Suzette, etc. There were several phrases I had to read a couple times to translate--"A sack full o' playt'ing he t'row on his back, he look like a burglar an' dass fo' a fack! [and that's a fact!]"

So break out your best Cajun accent (don't look at me) and give this fun story a read. Merry Christmas to all, "'til I saw you some mo'!" [until I see you next time!]

Images courtesy Jessica Marcy, Michelle Kauffmann, and James Rice.

Sarah Jane for My Wonderful World

Five for Friday- Five Ways to Make Your White Christmas Green

2009-12-11T17:25:06Z

In the spirit of the holidays and the Copenhagen Climate Change talks, I am combining the two for this Five for Friday post- five ways to make your White Christmas green. Or, for those of you who live in warmer climes, five ways to make your Green Christmas greener.

1. Buy a re-plantable Christmas tree: I'd never heard of such a thing until fellow intern and green-queen extraordinaire Hilary told me her family does this every year. Although very few places in the United States actually market it, the idea is simple: Buy an evergreen with its root ball still attached, enjoy it for the holiday season; then return in to the nursery, plant it in your backyard, or donate it to a local park! Swanson's in Seattle, Washington is one such nursery that will take back the tree and re-plant it in Pipers Creek, a salmon habitat that needs conifers and other trees to maintain a healthy stream for the fish.

Another organization in the Pacific Northwest calls itself the "Original Living Christmas Tree Company." They pick up trees and replant them in watersheds all over the Northwest. They also have great tips on other ways to get a living Christmas tree if you don't live in the Portland, Oregon area.

Whatever kind of tree you buy, make sure it's real! According to the Environmental News Network, real trees are better for the environment than fake plastic ones. Check out the full story to read more.

2. Wrap gifts in recycled paper: My mother is the master of recycling wrapping paper (and ribbons) year after year. In fact, we have an entire closet in our house dedicated to wrapping materials, most of which have been used and re-used many times. Newspaper makes excellent (and often nicely-sized!) wrapping paper, especially if you use the Comics and other colored or graphic sections. Here at National Geographic, the Maps department frequently gives away old, rejected, or torn maps; I've been digging through the pile all semester, and plan to wrap all of my gifts this year in them! Ribbons and bows are also very easy to re-use. Grab a bag and see how many streamers, bows, and other gift-garnishes you can collect this year. You'll be surprised how fast your pile grows!]]> 3. Conserve energy: No one enjoys those outrageous holiday displays, complete with 10 million colored, blinking lights that illuminate your house like a scene from an over-the-top Christmas movie. Keep it clean and classy with limited strands of light, or try taking the "natural" approach to decorating and accent your décor with pinecones, twigs, bittersweet, or other items you find outside. Cut out the lights on the inside tree, replacing them with a strand of cranberries and popcorn! Remember to unplug your lights when you leave the house or go to sleep.

4. Get out of the car: Rather than driving all around town searching for the house with the best lights, take a stroll with your family and enjoy the displays at a slower pace, and without contributing to the air pollution the folks over in Copenhagen are fighting right now! If you don't live near a neighborhood with concentrated houses, drive to an area that does, park the car, and start your stroll there.

5. Give back: Spend some time this holiday volunteering at a local homeless shelter, or even simply donate non-perishable food items to a food pantry or soup kitchen. Every little bit helps! Locate your local food bank here. As for all those holiday leftovers, start a compost pile to recycle your food. You can find tips on composting here.

Interview with Alexandra Ramaeker Zahn

2009-12-09T22:09:59Z

MWW learned about Alexandra Ramaeker Zahn, a 12-year-old from Iowa who has written four novels, through a friend's encounter with the her mother at a conference. Following the lead from our friend, we called Alexandra to learn more about her stories, which span the geography of the U.S. and Europe.

Alexandra is a middle school student who participates in multiple sports, as well as Mock Trial, Destination Imagination, Junior Achievement, Jazz Band and Chorus. She has traveled to 18 states and 2 countries with her family. She enjoys learning, in detail, facts about each of the places she has been to. She is curious about other cultures, landscapes, the science of things, and the dynamics of friendships.

Can you tell me the titles of the four novels you've written and give a brief synopsis of each?
Moving Streak is the story of an 8th grade girl named Abby who moves around the United States--to South Dakota, Iowa, and North Carolina. She doesn't know if she really fits in because she moves around so much. By the end of the novel, she finds out who her real friends are, and who she really is.

Deep Down Secrets is set in New York City. It is about a popular girl who doesn't really love being popular, and doesn't really know who she's become. With the help of her best friend, she comes to terms with herself.

Best Year Never is the sequel to Deep Down Secrets. It goes deeper into the friendships of the protagonist. Some kids still think she's stereotypically "cool," but others discover that she is different in important ways.

Princess of Anastesia takes place in Italy, in medieval times. It tells the story of a 12-year-old who lives with a farm family, but discovers that her real dad is a king, and she is a princess. Her father had to give her up because his kingdom was fighting a great war, and the enemies were trying to hurt her.

]]> Have you been to New York City, the setting of Deep Down Secrets and its sequel?
Yes, for my birthday last year. I saw many of the sites--Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, etc.

Were there any details about New York that you noticed and put in the book?
The huge number of people was kind of overwhelming, and the way people acted in a big city environment. I tried to capture some of those feelings in the book.

How did you pick Europe for the setting of Princess of Anastesia? Have you been there?
No, but we studied Europe last year in school; every student had to do a project on a country. I picked Italy because I'm 3/4th Italian and wanted to learn more about my heritage. We studied history, mostly modern, but some ancient Roman stuff, too. This inspired me to write about Italian history.

Is the book based on a particular historical kingdom?
Nope, I just made it up!

Was there anything you read about Italy that helped give you a sense of place?
We learned about Venice in school. I was mainly inspired by things I read about the landscape, and the pictures we saw. It was really beautiful!

Are there any interesting facts you learned about Europe?
For the Italy project, I had to pretend that I had traveled there and put together a scrapbook. I learned lots of fun facts that were cool, like that Pizza originated from peasants in Italy because they could use any type of ingredient, and now it's an international food.

What class did you learn all this in? A geography class? Social studies?
Social studies.

If you could go anywhere in the world, what would be your top pick?
I can't choose just one! Either Italy, China, or Africa.

Why those places?
I liked learning about China a lot this year, it's very diverse. The most impressive thing about Africa, I think, is all the hand-made crafts. My mom went to Africa and brought back some really neat things. The stuff people can make with their raw hands is amazing!

Not a lot of 12-year-olds write novels, it's very impressive that you've already written four! When do you find time to write?
I write after school, after I'm done with homework or after dinner.

How did you get the idea for your first book?
It's really based on a TV series that I watched in 4th grade, Little House on the Prairie. I got hooked on the storyline and started writing my own novel from that.

Sometimes kids want to write, but don't know what to write about. Have you had this problem? What do you do in this situation?
I'd say, wait it out until something comes to you. But I don't have that problem yet. I get inspiration from many places--T.V. shows, school, my own travels and observations of people. I hang out with my friends and watch how they act, and how they talk. I adapt traits from my friends for my books.

What are some of your favorite books?
The Clique by Lisi Harrison
The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Who are your favorite authors?
Stephanie Meyer [Twilight series]
J.K. Rowling [Harry Potter series]

Do you have a favorite genre of books?
I read whatever looks good from the title! Or, I'll open to the middle and read a bit, and decide if I like it from there

Do you plan to write any more books? What will they be about?
My next book will hopefully be more fantasy-based. Princess of Anastesia had some elements of fantasy, but the next one should have more.

Are you hoping to publish your stories?
I'm in the editing phase right now, deciding if I want to publish or not. This summer I got to meet with a professional editor a few times a month.

And when you grow up? Do you want to be a writer?
I definitely see writing as part of my future.

What advice do you have for other kids who want to be writers?
Follow your dreams--don't let anybody get you down! Write the way you like to write. Read different genres, that way you learn different writing styles.

Great Geo-gift Ideas!

2009-12-09T20:31:23Z

For the past several holiday seasons, we have plugged our favorite geography gifts. We share them again this year throughout the December newsletter and here on the blog. After all, we like to think we're experts on the topic! This time around, however, we thought we'd mix it up by stirring some new voices into the holiday mix. So we asked our favorite teachers and activist parents: What's on your shopping list?

We've combined our favorite responses into this delicious holiday list. Check out our Quick Guide for a list of these great ideas; then check out the comments for extra info. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

Quick Guide
Knock, Knock... Where am I? game (Maya Frost)
Passport to Culture board game (Maya Frost)
Bueno, entonces DVD set (Maya Frost)
Blank world map, rolled up with ribbon and with markers included (Maya Frost)
Cajun Night Before Christmas book (Kim Hulse)
Ken Burns Documentary Series: The National Parks, America's Best Idea DVD set (Kerry Jones)
National Geographic Map Bundles (Kerry Jones)
Great States Board Game (Kerry Jones)
Talking USA Puzzle Map (Melissa Martin)
The Scrambled States of America book and game (Melissa Martin)
Homemade jam in wooden carrying case (Sheila Keller-Powell)
Amazon Kindle (Nancy Sathre-Vogel)
Map of the World PlayScene game (Soultravelers3)
Dolly Dingle Goes around the World book (Soultravelers3)
EarthSearch book (Soultravelers3)
The Complete National Geographic DVD collection (Soultravelers3)
]]> Melissa Martin, Geography Action! Coordinator from Indiana:
A great gift my mother-in-law sent to the kids one year for Christmas was a Talking USA Puzzle Map. My children have really enjoyed it and have learned more than just the names and locations of the states! A great gift for you child's teacher is a copy of The Scrabbled States of America book and game

Sheila Keller-Powell, Geography Action! Coordinator from Utah:
My husband and I picked or purchased, pitted, peeled, pureed, and preserved our way through a year's worth of LOCAL seasonal fruits...to make a seasonal collection of jams for all our friends and family this year: Rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries,apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines,apples, & pears. My husband made wood boxes/carrying cases for each family that we are filling with a "seasons' worth of jam greetings." Everyone receiving our jam gifts so far have been delighted....the children and adults alike....and appreciate not only the jam, but our efforts/time put into making everything!

Maya Frost, author of The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition, and Get a Truly International Education:
For the whole family--ages six and up:
There's no better way to learn geography than to create your own map! Order or download and print a blank world or regional map and let the kids color it in. (Wikipedia has a good one.) They can look online for maps for each area and draw it with as much detail as they like or get creative and make a montage of drawings or collage of photos of animals, people or food in that country. This is a great family project if you get a big enough map and spread it on the kitchen table! Roll it up with a ribbon, include markers and give one as a gift. Simple, inexpensive, educational and fun.

Brady and Sam Ettenson are in high school now, but they spent four years creating a world-geography brain-puzzle book called Knock, Knock...Where Am I? Inspired by their travels around the globe--and, no doubt, their dinner-table conversations with their university-professor dad (Richard Ettenson is an associate professor of Global Marketing at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona)--Brady and Sam developed a really fun set of questions and quizzes that bring the family together and foster a better understanding of other countries and cultures. Great for road trips or just hanging out at home. Nothing glitzy about it, but the homespun element makes it that much more appealing.

Ages 9 to 11:
This is an ideal age to really get your kids interested in learning more about the world, and the Passport to Culture board game is a great way to engage them in the process! Players circle the globe, uncovering the mysteries of the world while collecting Passport Stamps and challenging their CQ (Cultural Intelligence). The game includes fascinating questions about everything from cultural traditions and food to greetings and gestures. Though even adults will have a good time with this game (and learn a lot), I highly recommend it for kids ages nine through eleven especially.

High School and College Students:
Many students take Spanish classes for years and still can't speak the language with any confidence. Not only that, but many parents spend a lot of money on language-learning programs that are just one more series of dull grammar lessons that bore their kids to tears. If you're looking for a really fun program to help high school or college students interested in putting their Spanish to work--and learning more about the culture of Argentina, one of the hottest destinations for student travelers and my home for the last three years--check out the quasi-animated program called Bueno, entonces... It's engaging, hilarious and irreverent--sort of an educational South Park for Spanish learners. My four daughters (ages 19, 20, 22 and 23) absolutely love it and swear it's the best program they've ever seen (and that's saying something!) Immediate downloads for iPod, iPhones, Smart phones, laptops--anything with a screen. Apple rated it a winner on iTunes as a top educational app. Though it's edgy and geared for the twentysomething crowd, my husband and I still snicker about some of the lessons. (Hey, at least we remember them--that's something!) Cheaper than Rosetta Stone--and a lot more fun!

Kerry Jones, a tech geek and homeschooling mom who writes about educational technology and integrating technology into homeschool at her blog, Topsy-Techie:
I've tried to be good this year. Really, I have. So I've made out my Christmas list, and included three geography tools that really stand out for me this year. At the top of my wish list would definitely be the DVD of the Ken Burns Documentary Series: The National Parks, America's Best Idea (and companion book). Along with the accompanying educational materials at PBS.com, this is a must-have geography tool for any high school homeschool program. Since I have been good, I also won't hesitate to ask Santa for one of the terrific National Geographic Map Bundles. These maps are terrific for teaching not only geography, but also history, current events, and even outer space! And right now, they are at a deep discount for members of the Homeschool Buyers Coop. And I would hope that Santa would check his list twice and not forget the Great States Board Game, which is one of the most fun ways for kids of all ages to learn their states.

Nancy Sathre-Vogel, biker mom and blogger who is currently cycling the entire Pan-American highway with her husband and twin boys:
I think one of the best things we've picked up has been the Kindle!! For travelers, it is a godsend to be able to download kids' books anytime, anyplace.

As far as geography things...A globe. I can't even tell you how many times I've wished we had a globe strapped onto our bikes! (A big world map pasted to the wall would be an acceptable second choice)

I also think musical instruments from various places around the world would be cool.

Soultravelers3 is a family of two parents and young daughter from Santa Cruz, California, who embarked on "an epic odyssey: open-ended, years long slow trip around the world as a family adventure, unschool, spiritual journey and lifestyle" beginning in September, 2006:
Map of the World PlayScene game
Dolly Dingle Goes around the World book
EarthSearch book (A Geography Museum in a book!)

Our family gift this year?
The Complete National Geographic DVD collection- Every Issue from 1888!

Holiday craft idea: Make a gingerbread global village

2009-12-09T19:30:48Z

In brainstorming holiday craft ideas, I tried to come up with something that would be geographic, gender-neutral, and fun for all ages...Why not transform the traditional gingerbread house into a gingerbread global village? You could make an adobe abode for warm-weather dwellers, an igloo, a tee-pee, an eco-home...

So, like any good researcher, I grabbed my roommates and put the idea to the test this past weekend. They made an elaborate, traditional Victorian estate complete with an ice-skating rink and outhouse. I went less traditional--and only slightly less ambitious--and built a two-story adobe home and igloo.

Here are our tried-and-true recipes, tips and ideas.

You'll need:
--Gingerbread dough (recipe below)
--icing (recipe below)
--food coloring
--rolling pin
--measuring cups and spoons
--cookie sheets
--wax paper
--clean work surface
--pencils
--paper
--ruler
--scissors
--card stock or cardboard
--candy, such as gum drops, Life Savers, candy canes, Twizzlers, Pirouette cookies, etc.

We got the main recipe and instructions from "Elise" at Simply Recipes. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.]]>
TO MAKE AN IGLOO:
1.   Cover a small, oven-safe bowl with floured wax paper.
2.   Mold gingerbread dough around the bowl.
3.   Bake 10-12 minutes or until slightly brown.
4.   Cool dough completely and remove bowl.
5.   Spread icing on cooled, hardened dough.
6.   Cover with small marshmallows.

TO MAKE AN ADOBE HOUSE:
Plain, cooked gingerbread looks quite like adobe brick, don't you think?

Make a gingerbread house as described below. Use the icing just as mortar to stick the walls and roof together, then leave the walls bare. Use green spice drops and a couple toothpicks to make a cactus. Cut red gum drops in half to make terra cotta roof shingles. Easy! This simple twist requires less time, icing and candy. And because the angles in adobe homes are often less rigid than other types of materials, you don't have to be quite as exact in your measurements!

Step-by-step instructions for making gingerbread houses:
For your first time making a gingerbread house, I'd suggest keeping it simple. Stick to one small structure, and choose basic shapes. Bring in the "global" component through creative candy decorations (Step 6). Because the process has multiple steps, you'll need a lot of time (block at least 2 mornings or afternoons) and several hands. It's a great way to get the whole family involved. And the end result is well worth the time and effort!

Variation: If you don't want to take the time to make the dough or are worried about using a stove with younger children, use graham crackers for the walls and roof, instead, and proceed to Step 5.

Step 1: Design your house
A. Sketch your house. Have kids draw your house blueprint on a sheet of paper first. You'll need at least four walls and a roof (up to 5 pieces if you make a base and 4 sides) Windows, doors, a chimney (if a cold-weather home) and other structures can be made out of extra gingerbread, or other candies, and stuck on. Alternatively, you can cut out doors and windows. If taking this route, I'd suggest waiting until after the pieces have been baked in the oven and cutting out the doors and windows while the dough is still warm.

B. Make templates of house structures. After you have decided what your house will look like, have an adult or older kid use a pencil and ruler to make templates for each of the main pieces (walls and roof) by drawing on cardboard, cardstock, or thick paper. Use the scissors to cut out the templates--help younger kids with cutting.

Variation: For a simple house design with proven measurements, use the template provided in Elise's instructions.

Step 2: Make the dough.
See Elise's gingerbread recipe

Step 3: Cut out the pieces.
A. Roll the dough. Lay wax paper over your work surface and have kids sprinkle with flour. Use a rolling pin to roll out the chilled dough into sheets ¼ inch thick--kids love doing this. Just check their work to make sure the dough is even throughout and not too thin. Continue to sprinkle flour on the dough as needed to prevent it from getting sticky. Be careful not to use too much flour though, or the dough will get dry and crack.

B. Cut the dough. Have an adult or older child use a moderately sharp knife and your house templates to cut the dough.

Step 4: Bake and Prepare
A. Bake the dough. Once you have cut out all the pieces, bake dough in a 350 degree oven for 8-12 minutes--less time for smaller pieces, more time for larger pieces. Remove when the edges start to darken. It's best to leave the baking to adults and teens; kids can help check the dough to determine whether it looks "ready."

B. Trim & Cool. Let the dough cool slightly, about 10 minutes. While still warm, reuse the cardboard templates to trim the edges of your pieces. If you want to cut out any doors or windows, do it at this time. Let the dough cool completely, about one more hour.

Step 5: Make the icing
The icing will serve as the mortar holding together your walls and roof, and as glue to stick on candy decorations. You can also add food coloring to the icing and use it to decorate. Leave the icing white for snow!

See Elise's icing recipe

Step 6: Decorate your global house!
It's easiest to decorate the walls and roof BEFORE you construct the house so the candy doesn't slide south!

A. Stick on the candy. Use a dull knife to spread the icing and stick on candy pieces--make sure to keep a damp paper towel over the icing between applications to prevent it from drying out. Or, use a pastry bag to squeeze the icing and make more precise decorations.

B. Candy suggestions: Large, rectangular or oval cookies like Vienna fingers, Milanos (remove the filling and use one-half of the cookie), or Fig Newtons make good doors. "Glassy" rectangular and circular candies, like Jolly Ranchers and life savers, are well suited for windows. Make shingles out of Oreos or gumdrops. Or, make a thatch roof using shredded coconut. Long, thin candies like Twizzlers are good for gutters and moldings. Use chocolate frosting, or slice Tootsie Rolls, to make Bavarian-style wood piping. Construct Greek-style columns out of circular Pirouette cookies. Top it off with a Snickers Bar-chimney if you you're building a cold-weather house. Let the icing dry completely before attempting to put the pieces together.

**Do you have other candy suggestions? Can you figure out how to make a Pagoda? Send us your ideas!

Step 7: Build your house!
A. Construct the walls. Using a knife, spread icing on the edges of your walls. Gently stick together, two pieces at a time, on top of a flat surface. Hold in place for a few minutes to allow the icing to set, and spread additional icing on the inside and outside of the joints to make them stronger--it's probably best if the adult holds while the kids frost. Piece all four walls together and hold in place with soup cans. Let sit until the frosting is hard, a couple hours, before assembling the roof.

B. Final decorations. Once the icing mortar has dried completely, add final decorative flourishes of frosting to the exterior of the house.

When you're all done, you can eat your house if you like. Just don't wait too long, or the candy will go stale. But who would want to eat such a magnificent masterpiece, anyway?

Send us photos of your completed global houses and villages!

Youth Voices in Copenhagen

2009-12-09T18:42:17Z

Over 100 world leaders, President Obama included, will converge in Copenhagen this week and next for the UN Climate Change Conference, but they are not the only ones flocking to the Danish capital. Thousands of young people from all over the world, 500+ from the United States alone, are pouring into the Bella Convention Center to make delegates take notice. They may come from every corner of the planet, but they all share the same message: Now is the time to fight climate change. Here are two awesome groups leading the charge.

Expedition Copenhagen
Will Steger, the renowned polar explorer, educator, activist, and National Geographic Explorer in Residence Emeritus, is among the conference attendees. With him is Expedition Copenhagen, a dozen of the Midwest's most dedicated youth, intent on spreading the word about the impacts of climate change and elevating the status of youth voices around the world on this topic. As a Midwesterner myself, I am extremely proud of these young people and their dedication to the environment!

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You can meet the team, follow Expedition Copenhagen, and check out their great blog posts and videos on the Will Steger Foundation website!

The Mass Dialogues 2009
2 Degrees C is a dedicated group of creative entrepreneurs concerned about our warming planet. Along with "initiating change initiatives, facilitating partnerships and collaborations, brokering knowledge, and providing strategic guidance and technical advice," they have created a web-based forum that connects youth around the world to those attending the Copenhagen talks... and you're invited! The Mass Dialogues 2009 brings together anyone with a computer and an opinion to share. Joining a live discussion is as simple as checking the schedule of events, following these instructions to log in, and--voila! You can be talking to a biology student from Norway, a geographer from Japan, or a political scientist from Cameroon! Also, don't forget that Copenhagen is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (9 hours ahead of Pacific Time), and that all times on the schedule are on Danish time.

Although we all may not have received an invitation to Copenhagen this year, these two groups are bringing Copenhagen to us. Thanks, Expedition Copenhagen and 2 Degrees C! Get engaged, get involved, and to paraphrase Gandhi, "Let's be the change we wish to see in the world!"

Danish holiday treats: Pudding, pancakes, and potato latkes

2009-12-08T22:23:43Z

In our "Holiday Geocrafts and Treats" post, we suggested trying some traditional ethnic dishes. Of course, the possibilities are endless--nearly every culture on Earth from Mexico to Monaco has its own suite of seasonal recipes. So, to narrow the list, we stuck with our Geography in the News theme of Christmas in Denmark, and added a Chanukah recipe for good measure (of course, Jews are an important minority in Denmark as throughout much of Europe--ever read the excellent children's book "Number the Stars?")

So, without further ado, here are our favorite recipes for Danish rice pudding, Æbleskivers, and Jewish potato latkes.

Danish Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is consumed throughout the holiday season in Denmark. On Christmas Eve, it follows the traditional meal of goose--the lucky guest to find the almond hidden in the pudding gets a prize. Another serving is offered at night to appease the prankster elf Nisse, who might otherwise make mischief. On Christmas morning, rice pudding is even eaten for breakfast!

]]> recipe from Allrecipes.com, and then get creative if you want!

Ableskivers
Ableskivers are doughy balls, best described as a cross between a pancake and a popover, that are traditionally eaten for breakfast or dessert during the holidays. They are most often filled with sweet ingredients such as apple, banana, chocolate or pudding, and topped with powdered sugar, syrup or jam. They can also be made with sausage for a savory twist.

Note: This recipe requires a special ableskiver pan, and is therefore most appropriate for the more ambitious geo-culinary adventurer. However, I had to include it because it looks so darn yummy--who could resist a stuffed pancake ball o'goodness? And the name--able skiver, which means apple slice in Danish--is pretty groovy, too!

Here are two links for ableskiver recipes. The first, from Cooking with Good Lookin', contains a few typos, but is short and simple with helpful photos and firsthand tips and tricks.

The second, from Aunt Else, an ableskiver expert and distributor of pans and ready-made mixes, is more comprehensive. It includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), a two-minute demonstration video, and plenty of photos.

Bon apetit!

Jewish Potato Latkes
Potato pancakes are common in many types of cuisine, including Irish, Indian, and Swedish. The Jewish potato latke is a Chanukah staple. The oil in which it is cooked has special significance to the ancient fuel, a small vial of olive oil, which was predicted to last for only one day, yet burned for eight miraculous nights during the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem (the lighting of the Menorah candles on each night of Chanukah also commemorates this miracle).

For a simple yet delicious latke recipe we head again to Allrecipes.com. As the cook mentions in her notes, "you can't go wrong with these crispy hot cakes. Serve with applesauce, sour cream and chopped green onions!"

Holiday Geocrafts and treats

2009-12-08T22:12:52Z

The holidays are a great time to explore the geography of a new travel destination, rediscover the geography of your local community, or take part in fun geography crafts and games at home. Try to plan at least one geography-themed family activity over the holidays. Here are a few ideas:

1) Play a geography trivia or board game like Brain Quest, World Wise, or Passport to Culture

2) If traveling, let the kids play navigator and program the GPS device. Or, go old-school and chart your route on a map.

3) Bake a cake or sheet of gingerbread. Using candy and icing, decorate it with a map of your holiday travel plans or an upcoming trip.

4) Bake a traditional ethnic treat, such as Danish rice pudding, able skiver pancakes, or potato latkes.

5) Instead of the traditional gingerbread house, build a global village out of candy! Make an adobe abode for warm-weather dwellers, an igloo, maybe even an eco-home. Get creative!

Here are some more holiday tips from National Geographic Kids:

]]> "Quiz Your Noodle"

"What in the World"

2. Learn more about winter celebrations including Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Eid al Adha

3. Make Kwanzaa Creole bread pudding

4. Find ways to give back over the holidays

5. Hear about Christmas from kids around the world
Ayat, 10-year-old blogger for "You Are Here: Jordan" celebrates Christmas in Jordan

Global Bros, two world traveling brothers ages 8 and 11, celebrate Christmas in Australia

6. Learn about cold-weather creatures with a visit to the arctic animals photo gallery

7. Read how one science fair project can "Snowball into Something Big"

Continue on to the next post for holiday recipes and tips for building a global village!

Glaedig Jul! (Merry Christmas!)

2009-12-07T19:39:05Z

A discussion of December happenings in Denmark (see previous post) would not be complete without Christmas, the nation's most celebrated holiday. Although climate change might alter the possibility of a white Christmas, Danish traditions are here to stay!

This holiday is big in Denmark, and even the Danish word for Christmas, Jul, means "feast," and modern traditions have origins in old Nordic culture. Good eats abound during the season, beginning on Christmas Eve. While we often eat a Christmas ham in the United States, the traditional meat in Denmark on this night is goose. After dinner, a popular dessert is rice pudding. Hidden in the dish lies one whole almond, and the person who finds it wins a prize! On Christmas morning, Danes eat more sweet fare such as puddings, pies, or a traditional Danish treat called Æbleskiver.

Families and friends aren't the only ones who enjoy the Christmas treats: Danish folklore tells of Nisse, an elf who loves playing tricks on unsuspecting people. Rather than milk and cookies for Santa it is tradition to leave out a bowl of--you guessed it--rice pudding for Nisse on Christmas Eve to remain in his good graces and ward off any pranks.

Recipes for Danish Rice pudding, Æbleskiver, and other delicious holiday treats are coming soon, so check out the blog in the coming days!

Do you have a special holiday tradition in your home? Share them with us!

Gearing Up for Climate Change in Copenhagen

2009-12-07T18:47:54Z

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is underway in Copenhagen. Over the course of the 12 day summit, participants from 192 countries representing governments, the business community, and civil society will attempt to agree on "an ambitious, global agreement that meets the challenge set by science," although many officials doubt that a solid treaty will be achieved. Instead, Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, outlined these four questions, and feels that if these questions are answered, a sufficient framework will be in place to solidify future plans:

1. How much are the industrialized countries willing to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases?

2. How much are major developing countries such as China and India willing to do to limit the growth of their emissions?

3. How is the help needed by developing countries to engage in reducing their emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change going to be financed?

4. How is that money going to be managed?

Hammering out all the little details will be tricky, de Boer says, but if conference participants can agree on these points, he'll be happy.

So why do we care as geographers?
This conference highlights environmental, political, and cultural issues... all topics that geographers study. The effect that this conference could have on climate legislation is clear, but just think about the logistics and cultural hurdles of getting representatives from every country in the UN together in one place to come to a solid agreement. A tricky game to play!
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In my opinion, they need to come up with a catchy way to convince kids that reducing consumption is cool! (An updated version of "We are the Children" with a message about climate change, perhaps? :)

So how are participants staying green at the conference?
COP15 organizers have thought up lots of hot ways to stay cool in Copenhagen. All participants received pre-paid passes to ride the city's public transportation to cut down on private chauffeurs. There is a 'Green Team' on hand at the conference center to answer questions and field suggestions on how to improve the event. Local and organic food is served in the cafeteria, which is equipped with paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste recycling bins.

And what about those ubiquitous goodie bags? Organizers did some research and found that 80-90% of conference bags and gifts are usually immediately discarded, so instead of giving away the freebies, they used the money saved to give 11 scholarships to graduate students around the world. The nation of Denmark has also done its part; 20% of the country's energy comes from wind power!

Stay tuned this week for other Copenhagen happenings.

Photo of Copenhagen by Bill Ebbesen

Jim Gray- Geoliteracy for Kids

2009-12-07T15:00:00Z

Jim is the Director of Learning at Leap Frog, which designs and develops innovative and creative educational products. He loves "the 'ah-ha"'moment of learning something new, the feeling of mastery that comes with practice, and the way learning opens up new worlds to explore."

Geo-literacy is the ability to think, act, and communicate in geographic terms. It provides a fun way to promote healthy physical development, practical skills for navigating everyday life, and broad understandings for success in a global world. For young children, it starts with the places, people, plants, animals, and things they encounter everyday.

Healthy Development. Children naturally learn basic geo-literacy skills as they use their bodies to explore and make sense of their surroundings, from crawling towards a favorite toy to bicycling around a city park. They build body awareness and spatial understanding as they go up, down, forward, backward, around, and behind. Games and activities that include communicating about locations, directions, and positions further build these geo-literacy skills. Parents can support them by using locational language ("your doll is under the coffee table") and by encouraging games like hide-and-seek or free play on a jungle-gym.

Local Navigation. From digital maps and Google Earth, to GPS-enabled cars, cameras, and phones, families are increasingly surrounded by geographic information and tools. Parents can support children's geo-literacy by talking about the locations, directions, and places that children know best. "The sun is coming up, let's go to the East side of the house and see if the kitchen table is sunny yet." "Let's go to the end of this aisle and turn right, I think that's where the oranges are." "Look, there's our house on the satellite photo, do you see the green park?" "Can you draw a map of your room that shows where you want the bed to be?"

Keep reading Jim's full post on his blog!
http://community.leapfrog.com/t5/The-Learning-Team-Jim-Gray-EdD/Geo-literacy-for-kids/ba-p/1476