National Geographic Education
National Geographic's educational resources are an extension of its century-old mission to explore and educate about the world. Originally founded in 1888 as a scientific and educational institution, National Geographic Society has evolved to become a global icon in geographic and environmental stewardship. Its educational initiatives are deeply rooted in this rich history, aiming to inspire young learners to become the next generation of explorers, conservationists, and storytellers. National Geographic is recognized worldwide not only for its award-winning magazine and breathtaking documentaries but also for its impactful educational programs. It hosts the prestigious National Geographic Bee, a geography competition attracting thousands of schools across the United States. Additionally, its educational content reaches millions globally, providing resources that range from detailed maps to in-depth exploratory content across various disciplines.
Grades: The curriculum is suitable for K-12, with specific resources tagged by educational level.
Cost: The basic online resources are available for free, which includes significant educational content. However, some specialized content or programs might require a membership or additional fees.
What It Is
National Geographic offers a comprehensive educational framework that includes digital content, live explorations, and hands-on projects. This framework is designed to cultivate an explorer’s mindset in students, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
What Makes It Special
What sets National Geographic's homeschooling curriculum apart is its integration of real-world exploration with classroom learning. Through their vast array of resources, students engage with topics through the lenses of expert explorers and photographers, bringing distant concepts right into the home learning environment. This unique blend of storytelling and factual education fosters a deep appreciation for the world and its complexities.
How It Works
The curriculum is accessible through various platforms, including the NatGeo@Home hub, which aggregates educational content suitable for K-12 students. This includes articles, videos, and interactive activities organized by grade level and subject matter, such as science, geography, and conservation.
How to Use It as a Homeschooling Curriculum
Parents can utilize National Geographic's resources by integrating them into daily lesson plans. The materials are flexible enough to supplement traditional subjects or to serve as the core curriculum, particularly for topics related to geography and natural sciences. The Explorer Classroom sessions also provide live interactions with experts, which can enrich the homeschooling experience.
Educational Content Included
The curriculum spans a wide range of subjects, including biology, earth sciences, geography, and social studies. It offers interactive maps, detailed lesson plans, and activities that encourage students to explore and learn about their planet.
Biology and Ecology: Activities and lessons that explore living organisms and their interactions within their ecosystems.
Conservation and Earth Science: Resources that teach students about conservation efforts and the physical aspects of the Earth, including climate patterns and geological processes.
Geography: Interactive maps and comprehensive units that cover physical and human geography, enhancing spatial awareness and cultural understanding.
Social Studies: Materials that integrate history and cultural studies with geographic insights, providing a holistic view of how human societies evolve and interact with their environments.
Climatology and Geology: Lessons focusing on weather patterns, climate change, and the Earth’s geological structure.
Physical Geography: Studies that delve into the features and processes of the Earth’s surface, helping students understand landscapes and environmental dynamics.
What’s Good About It
Users often praise the high-quality, engaging content that comes from a trusted and renowned source. The combination of stunning visuals with solid scientific research helps students grasp complex subjects in an enjoyable manner.
What Could Be Improved
While the curriculum is robust in areas of geography and natural sciences, some parents might find it less comprehensive for subjects like mathematics or language arts. Additionally, as it heavily relies on digital content, those with limited internet access might find it challenging to utilize all its features fully.
Advice from Parents
Parents recommend using the curriculum’s flexibility to adapt to children’s interests, particularly leveraging the vast array of documentaries and real-life explorer stories to enhance learning and engagement.
Who It’s an Ideal Fit For
This curriculum is perfect for students with a keen interest in the natural world, science, and geography. It suits those who thrive on visual learning and interactive education.
Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For
It may not suit families looking for a comprehensive curriculum in more traditional subjects like language arts or mathematics, or those who prefer textbook-based learning without a strong digital component.
Ways to Get It
All resources are available directly from the National Geographic Education website. Parents and educators can access these by visiting the NatGeo@Home hub and other sections of the National Geographic website (TechCrunch).
Top Secular Alternatives for All-in-One Curriculum:
Here are our favorite other all-in-one options for different types of learners.
Book Lovers, Gifted and Profoundly Gifted Learners: Torchlight Curriculum
For Gifted, Workbook-Lovers: Critical Thinking Co
Nature-Based Curriculum for creative, Hands-On Learners: Blossom and Root
Adaptive learning app for kids who love video games : BrainPOP Homeschool
For Middle and High School Students: Build Your Library
For kids who love watching videos, here are highly Engaging Free YouTube videos for middle and high school: Crash Course
For Project-Based, Standards-Aligned Curriculum and Online School: Oak Meadow
For Free or Freemium online curriculum: Khan Academy Kids, Khan Academy or FishTank Learning
For more Traditional/schoolish Standards-aligned adaptive online learning: Time4Learning
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