As a Social Studies teacher with over 20 years of experience, I still get excited when students make historical connections I hadn’t thought of. Their ability to find new ways to link ideas, people, and events across time never stops impressing me.
Strategies for Bringing the Slingshot Challenge to Your K–12 Classroom
The National Geographic Society, with support from Allen Family Philanthropies, is launching the 2026 Slingshot Challenge, which provides a platform for youth to voice ideas about the future of conservation work.
Take & Teach Lesson: National Geographic Civics and Citizenship | Civic Skills: Registering to Vote
Help students build active citizenship skills with a practical lesson on registering to vote. Through critical thinking prompts, real-life scenarios, and hands-on practice analyzing voter registration forms, learners explore both the purpose and process of civic participation.
Take & Teach Lesson: National Geographic Civics and Citizenship | Civics at Work: So You’re Going To Be A Voter
Prepare students for civic life with an engaging lesson that explores the right to vote and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Take & Teach Lesson: National Geographic World Cultures & Geography | Earth’s Physical Features
Unlock students’ understanding of landforms, bodies of water, and their impact on early civilizations through active, inquiry-driven lessons that connect physical geography to real-world relevance.
Take & Teach Lesson: National Geographic World Cultures & Geography | Spatial Thinking
Help students understand the “why of where” with this lesson on spatial thinking—an essential skill in geography and global citizenship.
New Explorations with MapMaker for your Social Studies and Science classrooms!
MapMaker, developed by ESRI and National Geographic, continues to evolve! Join us to see the most recent updates. Explore how your students can gain an understanding of the world’s most crucial issues, challenges, and historical context of place.
Civics Action Project: A PBL Approach to Empowering Students
As I embark on my fourth year having students complete a six-week Civics Action Project, it has become one of my favorite units. The authentic, real-world connections students make, the ownership they take in choosing and leading their projects, and the pride they feel during the showcase make this unit incredibly powerful.
Keeping up with MapMaker, Deepen Science and Social Studies explorations!
MapMaker, developed by ESRI and National Geographic, continues to evolve! Join us to see the latest updates. Explore how your students can gain an understanding of the world’s most crucial issues, challenges, and historical context of place.
Importance of Developing Your Students’ Use of Data and Map Skills
Newer technologies make map reading easier for students and adults alike! Having digital maps at their fingertips, our students may question traditional mapping activities or lessons. There are a few ways educators can implement engaging mapping skill practice for learners and integrate technologies at the same time.