August 2009 Archives

"No more pencils, no more books. No more teachers' dirty looks."

I can remember singing this ditty on the last day of elementary school before summer break. The sense of elation that came with knowing that days spent sitting at a desk would soon give way to mornings of tennis and swimming, following by afternoons of crafts, biking, ice cream, and reading for pleasure was unlike almost any feeling of anticipation I have experienced in my adult life.

That is why I was so interested to read and participate in this discussion in the New York Times' "Room for Debate." The Times invited seven educational experts to weigh in on the question of summer homework for students. Most agreed that summer assignments were essential to keeping students sharp over the break, although they offered differing reasons for their positions as well ideas of what summer learning should look like. Below are a selection of excerpts from their statements, followed by my own contribution.

Take a read, and then offer your perspective. I want to know from the real experts--parents, students, and classroom teachers--what you think of homework over summer break. Yes? No?

If yes: How much, and what should it consist of [geography, perhaps!] ? If no: Why not?? 

A couple months back, we hosted a homeschooling guest blogger, Kerry Jones, who shared her strategies for teaching geography to students of all ages.

I recently came across a punchy post from another homeschooling geography maven--Mrs. G--on the Pioneer Woman website. Not sure what the "G" stands for--I doubt it's "geography"-- but Mrs. G sure knows how to write a witty, engaging beat on the topic! I think all--geography buffs and novices, homeschoolers and public schoolers alike--will relate to some element of her experiences and musings. She incorporates some great visuals (see above), along with geography curriculum and resource suggestions, and a literature list. Even more recommendations can be found within the impressively massive comments forum. Thanks Melody C (#40) for the MWW shout-out, and also Mrs. G, for the many referrals to National Geographic materials.

Bonus: 

I haven't been following the national forecasts as closely as I should recently--how's the weather in your corner of the country? In D.C., it's been pretty steamy this past week. Literally, like a sauna. So, on my way to work this morning, I challenged myself to think cool thoughts. And--viola--the perfect late-August, Five-for-Friday blog post materialized.

5 Ways to Beat the Heat [geographically]

1.    Investigate "cool" offers in your city or town.
Many cities open public fountains for wading on especially hot summer days. In the Washington, D.C., area, Metrobus offers free rides to encourage use of public transportation on "Code Red" days when air quality is measured to be particularly poor. Find out if your city offers similar services.

2.    Walk on the "right" side of the street.
In the morning, make a conscious effort to walk on the east side of the street, vs. the west side. With the sun in the eastern half of the sky, trees and buildings will create shade on the east side of the street, and sunlight will be angled toward the west side. In the early afternoon, switch it up and walk on the west side of the street when the sun shifts overhead.

Of course, your town or city's unique geography will factor in, too; use a map to seek out parks and other shady spots, or ask a local to help identify tree-lined streets. Trees offer shade and are generally "cooler" than buildings, which trap and absorb heat, contributing to urban heat islands. See what your city is doing to plant trees and encourage the installation of green rooftops, and get involved in efforts to green--and cool--your town!

We're back with Anita and Roger Palmer of GISetc and Gary Lewis of the Geological Society of America for part 2 of their trip leading 19 educators and students in an investigation of Australia's singular geography and geology.

Our group could not imagine enjoying anything more than the time we spent in the Sydney Basin, but forge on we did!


After breakfast with the koalas at Sydney Wildlife World, we flew to the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia. We landed in Cairns (pronounced "Cans"), a beach town that is the launching off point for many adventures.

 

This is the third and final installment of field blogs from the Chugach Children's Forest Expedition series.

June 21, 2009

Colross Passage: Cecilia
            
Waves  
Glide through the deep sea shades of blue and white      
Waves        
Diamonds looks float above the continues     
Waves    
Wave catches tune binding together waves know the pattern
Waves
Know the pattern
Photo credit:  Melissa Goslin

Icy Bay: Randall

 

Last spring, I wrote about ways that I, personally, am going green, as well as steps National Geographic is taking as an organization to green its facilities and practices.

For my own part, the quest for the emerald standard continues--can anyone really claim to have "achieved" greendom? This summer, I'm foregoing the air conditioner, which those who are familiar with D.C. in August can appreciate. Let's just say you can take the swamp out of the city, but you can't quite take the city out of the swamp.

National Geographic, also, has racked up some impressive green feats just this week, which I thought I'd share with you all. Not to toot our own horn too much, but I think it's worth celebrating, and I'm proud to work for an organization that stands true to its mission!

NG Receives Bronze Bicycle Award
Monday, at a ceremony in 100 degree heat, National Geographic was conferred a bronze-level, "Bicycle-Friendly Business" rating by the League of American Bicyclists. NG joins approximately 40 businesses nationwide, out of nearly 300 total that have applied, in attaining LAB recognition for its practices; which include more than 144 covered bicycle parking spots, onsite bike repair stations, bicycle safety classes, employee incentives such as a guaranteed ride home program, and flexible work options.

As a new bicycle commuter myself (as a result of my move further away from the office), I am very grateful to have these services available!

Silver...and Gold!

Read the August 2009 Newsletter: How Can Geography Prepare Your Family for Disasters?

Inside
Take our new Reader Poll
GeoFeature: 4-H "Alert, Evacuate, and Shelter" Program
Geography in the News: GIS Aids Planners in Katrina Aftermath
Blog: Earth Science in Australia



Plus:

Today, we continue with the second installment of field blogs from the Chugach Children's Forest Expedition series.

June 20, 2009

Latouche Island: Jenny

Today has been really neat. We visited an old mining town that has been bulldozed over, and all that remains from it is tons of rubble, and one building remains standing. It was interesting to see such a place. We got to hear about the history of the town, as well as all the attempts to build lodges out there once the town no longer existed. Another thing that we got the opportunity to do today was digging for oil that remains from the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The first beach we visited, we couldn't find any because the tide was too high, but once we gave up and all got back on the boat, they called us back to shore to see the oil they had discovered. I didn't bother putting on my rain pants, and hopped in the boat to head to shore. When we got there, what I saw changed the way I thought about the whole incident. Seeing the oil just below the surface rocks, and deep down below them, really makes it overwhelming how much destruction there was in this catastrophe. I always heard about the oil that still remains, but once you're there digging in it, getting that thick, black, smelly substance all over everything it comes in contact with, it really is an eye opener. After today, I want to share what I've experienced and encourage people to protect their environment, and hopefully teach people how to take responsibility for their actions. 

Photo credit:  Alexandra von Wichman/Babkin Charters

Humpback Cove: Mary
 
Today was very outrageous. When I drove the skiff I had some experience driving and [it] helped me notice the wildlife. The waves that we made and the birds and fish we saw made me realize how beautiful Alaska is. The scenery is truly the best part. I am truly a city girl, so when I saw all of this beauty I just was surprised. We were in the skiff for two hours. I have had a wonderful time today and this Media Expedition is a life time experience. Go BOB (skiff).

Photo credit:  Melissa Goslin

It seems crazy that it has already been two months since I arrived in D.C.  As I've lived here, I've come to love both the city and the Society that I have become a part of.  When this blog entry is published, I'll already be back in Vermont, but I wanted to share with you all the ways that I've been inspired--it's impossible not to be--while interning here this summer in my final 5 for Friday:

1.    To Travel
For those of us with wanderlust, National Geographic is the place to be.  As I walked these halls, I would constantly see pictures from unknown places or magazine covers taken somewhere that I could only imagine going.  Writing for My Wonderful World and working on the Geography Awareness Week committee have allowed me to explore countries and cultures that I was only vaguely familiar with.  I'm leaving National Geographic with the desire to become more traveled, to explore the world and to see places in new ways.  My list of places to visit is no longer confined to Europe and traditional trips.  I want adventures (or eco-adventures) in places like Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Argentina.

2.     To Learn
Despite my obsession with maps and cultures, I came to National Geographic knowing basically nothing about geography, short of country locations.  Although a spring class on environmental sustainability taught me some basics, I regret to say that I do not get along with GIS.  This society has inspired me to learn about the world and has given me the resources to do so. While I still can't use GPS or GIS, I now understand the purpose of these tools and why it is important to understand climate and physical traits of the land.  Geography literally shapes the world and how we look at it.  And while I'll probably stick to my road map when I travel (so much more fun!), maybe I'll get someone to teach me GIS.
   

Did you know that more than 100,000 wildfires clear 4 million to 5 million acres of land in the U.S. every year? Wildfires, which travel at speeds of up to 14 miles per hour, can be extremely destructive, but they are truly "natural" disasters, necessary in nature's cycle of birth and death.  Fires return nutrients to the soil and also act as disinfectants, removing disease-ridden plant and insects.  Their destruction of the thick tree canopies allows new birth on the forest floor.  

Not all fires occur naturally, however, as a result of forces such as lightening. A majority--4 out of 5--can be attributed to human sources, such as campfires. Human error, coupled with ample amounts of fuel, oxygen, and dry conditions, creates a recipe for catastrophe. Recent years of hotter-than-average temperatures and extended periods of drought, along with some misplaced efforts to curtail critical, small-scale natural blazes, have dramatically increased the incidence of massive, destructive fires.

What can you do to prevent wildfires? Take a cue from everyone's favorite friend of the forest, Smokey the Bear, who celebrates his 65th anniversary this year! Fire prevention starts with knowledge, followed by responsible action.

Be awestruck.

GISetc (Anita & Roger Palmer) and Geological Society of America education (Gary Lewis) decided that taking educators to Australia would be a tremendous way to learn about the physical geography and geology of this far away continent.  So we did!  On July 18, we took off from Los Angeles at 10:00 on Saturday evening, flew for fourteen hours and crossed the International Date Line (180 longitude), and landed in Sydney at 6:30 Monday morning.  After having "lost" Sunday while on the plane, nineteen educators and their family members converged on Sydney, Australia.   

The first thing we all noticed when we left the airport was that it was cold!  All of us were traveling from North America, where typical northern latitude temperatures were very hot, and we needed to switch our thoughts and bodies to the southern latitude winter of Sydney.  At 26 S, which U.S. city would be a best comparison in winter?  (You can check out weatherunderground.com or weather.com to verify your answers.)  

After adding another jacket layer and some gloves, we ventured out and were transferred to our hotel right in the heart of Sydney, near the beautiful downtown Hyde Park.  Hyde Park is a wonderful public space in the heart of the city where residents walk and play.  In Hyde Park, Gary did an introduction to GPS use and geocaching (geocache.com), and the participants proceeded to search for three geocaches in the park.  They learned what a "taperline" in Australia is, which helped them find one of the geocaches.  (Look up "taperline" and "Australia" in Google to find out for yourself!)

Looking down into Hyde Park from 45 stories above Sydney

After the fun of geocaching, our GPS walk continued to Sydney Harbor, which, historically, served as a working port for exporting Australian manufactured goods.  Sydney Harbor has been undergoing a metamorphosis to become an urban center housing fantastic hotels, dwellings, and world-class displays of all Australia has to offer.  The Circular Quays and Sydney Harbor area is a wonderful amalgamation of botanical gardens, ocean aquaria, Australian animal encounters, harbor tours, and the iconic Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point.

 

The field blogs from the Chugach Children's Forest Expedition Series have arrived! As part of a partnership between Alaska Geographic and the Chugach National Forest, and supported in part by the National Geographic Society, this pilot trip offered an opportunity for nine teens from Southcentral Alaska to share stories and document their national forest while living on a boat for eight days in the Prince William Sound.  Bloggers found themselves discovering an Alaska quite different from the urban Alaskan communities they were used to as they mingled with humpback whales and calving glaciers.

Join theses explorers as they map their way through the Sound and discover the wildlife, landscapes, and stories of the Chugach National Forest; we will share a selection of student posts over three days on the blog.

Photo credit:  Melissa Goslin

June 19 2009

Mallard Bay: Jake

This trip has been amazing. During the camping I loved the walks that we went on. The people are so nice and generous. I really liked the ice worm safari. Yesterday I encouraged part of the group to hike up this mountain. When you get to the top you feel so amazing that you didn't give up on yourself and you pushed yourself to finish. After we got back to the boat we all changed and jumped into the water to cool off. Then I went kayaking in the freezing cooled water. I found an island that I went onto. Before we anchored up we saw a hump back whale. It was so awesome. I got to see it breech out of the water.

Photo credit:  Cory Glasen

How often do you get lost?  When I go on road trips to new places, I always print out a map from Google Maps or Mapquest, but then neglect to use it until I'm completely entrenched in foreign surroundings.  I guess you could say that I like to get lost; it helps me find my bearings in a new place. But even I know when to pull out my map and reorient myself.  

Cartography has been a field of study for over 8,000 years, and there are detailed maps for nearly every corner of the globe.  With technological advances, it is now even harder to get lost with Google Map applications on the iPhone or web access on other [3g] networks.  Despite all of these tools to help avoid getting lost, several Americans have been the talk of the media and foreign relations officials during the past several months.  How?  By getting lost in forbidden territories.

The notion of Americans being held captive for getting lost came to the forefront of the media last spring when two San Francisco-based journalists were jailed in North Korea for crossing the border from China.  Tourism in North Korea is severely limited, and Americans are only admitted under certain circumstances in tour groups with guides.  While held, the women were allowed little communication with the outside world. Their families and the U.S. government attempted to persuade North Korea that the crossover was an accident and that the women were sorry.  In June, the two women were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor, but they are currently being held in a confined house while Secretary of State Clinton and former President Clinton work to gain amnesty for the lost journalists.

August is the unofficial vacation month so, before you pack your bags, do the planet a favor and plan a sustainable vacation!  While the idea of an eco-friendly trip might conjure up ideas of backpacking up mountains or being swarmed by mosquitoes in the jungle--I know it did for me!--you can find a sustainable trip to suit almost any need.  A sustainable vacation means making green and responsible choices from hotels to food to activities.  In a 2003 survey by National Geographic's Geotourism Study, 71% of Americans believed that it was important not to damage the environment while on vacation.  From the beach lounger to the 12-month-a-year skier, there is a green vacation for you!

In National Geographic Traveler's March 2004 issue, the magazine first came out with its 115 top spots to visit based on the destination-stewardship index.  This index rates places subject to pressures including development, pollution, globalization and tourism.  On the 0 to 100 scale, the destinations ranked between 41 and 82, encompassing places all over the globe from fjords in Norway and Chile to the heavy touristed South Island of New Zealand. On this list, environmental quality played an important role with credit given to places like Tuscany and Vermont that value aesthetics (Vermont's Act 250 even bans billboards in the state).  While most low-scoring destinations were beaches, the rankings afforded a new awareness to places that have reduced environmental pressures.  Beaches in Florida, Thailand and Spain's Balearic Islands are now in the process of finding innovative programs to reverse their formerly destructive ways.