On January 27, 1888, the National Geographic Society was founded. Its mission was to “increase and diffuse geographical knowledge”. A group of 33 geographers, explorers, teachers, lawyers, cartographers, military officers, and financiers came together with one thing in common—curiosity about the world around them. The group elected Gardiner Greene Hubbard to represent their Society and help reach out to all Americans who share their curiosity. Nine months later, the first issue of National Geographic magazine was published. Today, the Society continues to publish its magazine, as well as well-crafted programs as part of its National Geographic Channel.
Through its profits from the magazine, the Society was able to finance many expeditions in their hunt to explore the world and all its creatures, most notable, Jacques Cousteau and Jane Goodall. Its mission continues to be “using the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world”. Essentially, National Geographic continues to strive in exciting everyone about the earth and all the wonders it contains.
In this sense, we encourage classrooms to host a National Geographic Fair. Each module can focus on a different continent. Or, perhaps you could choose one continent, and have each module focus on a different geographic area of that continent. Explore the environment, climate, people and animals that reside in each geographic location. Detail the beauty and unique qualities they share, and what threats they are facing now. Come up with strategies on how we can help protect these unique and diverse environments. The fair can easily be conducted in person or virtually to fit your specific needs.
To get started, visit our FREE CONTENT section to find bonus worksheets from our World Continents series:
North America
South America
Europe
Africa
Asia
Australia
Antarctica
To learn more about the National Geographic Society and its inception, visit the following links:
History.com
National Geographic