Educational Technology: Teaching Little Explorers with National Geographic

Teaching Little Explorers with National Geographic

2/20/25

By Mackenzie Regan

    "Because there's always another wonder for us to go and find," (National Geographic). As teachers, we should be promoting exploration and creation in our classroom every single day. To do this, we need to first show the young minds we are fostering that it is possible for them to grow up and become explorers! What better way to do this than by having them communicate with real-life explorers on National Geographic Explorer Classroom. 

What Is This Tool?

    National Geographic Explorer Classroom "connects learners directly with National Geographic Explorers for a live virtual class, filled with interactive moments and Q&A," (National Geographic). It allows teachers to have their students talk to real life explorers from scientists to conversationalists. The students are able to listen to the explorers live, respond, and ask them questions. This is a can be a great introduction or extension to a variety of activities, such as nature, wildlife, sciences, and other exploration lessons.

How To Use The Tool?

    As a teacher, you can view the event schedule on their website to visit a live session. There are even recorded sessions on their Youtube channel if joining live is not possible. The explorer will tell real life stories and answer any questions the class may have.

    For example, if you are teaching a unit about wildlife conservation, you can have the students talk to an explorer who has had real life experiences with wildlife and nature. You can have the students make a list of questions they would want to know the answers to before the talk and then have a debrief discussion after the chat. Students can draw or write about what they learned from the explorer. You can connect activities and lessons before or after the chat to what the explorer specializes in. For older children it can be a great way to develop some career readiness and learn some things about careers they may be interested in. The explorers are also from all different parts of the world, which can be important for young, influential minds to speak to people of different cultures and ideas. 

Conclusion

    Overall, National Geographic Explorer chat can be a great way for students to get some real life knowledge on different subjects. It is a great and accessible way for classrooms to hear real life stories about topics they may be learning about in the classroom.