Real-world problems call for critical thinking and real-world solutions and afterschool programs are a great place for kids to learn, collaborate, and figure out how to make their communities better. The Mott Foundation and National Geographic want to help afterschool programs open the world to young people.
National Geographic has been pushing the boundaries of knowledge, exploring the planet from its highest peaks to its deepest depths for more than 130 years. Now you can bring this spirit of exploration to your afterschool program!
Join the Explorer Classroom #LightsOnAfterschool Special
Looking for new ways to inspire and connect young people to STEM careers and role models in your afterschool program? Make the experience all or part of your Lights On celebration, showing the worlds that open to kids in afterschool.
Tuesday, October 23rd 3:15pm – 4:15pm ET. Register now!
LIVE ON THE EXPLORATION VESSEL NAUTILUS
In an interactive experience, the explorers and scientists on the Nautilus share how they explore the never-before-explored ocean floor. Participants can send questions, even asking how they found the Titanic! All you need is an internet connection and access to YouTube.
Wednesday, October 24th 5:00pm – 6:00pm ET Register now!
Explore #STEM with National Geographic Explorer Joe Cutler
Leeches, bot flies, wasps, and tsetse flies—Joe Cutler has been bitten or stung by each one, all in search of freshwater fish in Africa. Cutler is an ichthyologist (fish scientist) and conservationist. Afterschool youth can engage with Cutler asking how he studies the Giant Taimen fish in the freezing rivers of Mongolia and why he became an explorer.
What Will You Do to Save the Planet? Take the GeoChallenge!
Did you know that 500 million plastic straws are used every day? Eight million tons of plastic flow into the ocean every year. We need creative and actionable ideas from young people to literally save the planet. Afterschool programs are invited to take on the 2018-19 GeoChallenge—Tackling Plastic! Teams of students (grades 5-8) will investigate the urgent issue of plastic pollution in our waterways. If your team is ready, you can submit your solutions by January 15th to join the national competition.
The GeoChallenge is free to register and download all of the activities you will need to help your kids engage, think, act, and impact! Students gain skills in research and storytelling, collaboration, videography, innovative design, and mapmaking. Empower your students to change the world! Register here: NatGeoEd.org/geochallenge