Educators

Thanks for visiting – we are excited about working with schools to enhance classroom learning by sharing a variety of information on the places that we visit and updates from the road. Below are some frequently asked questions about our trip:

What are You Doing?

We have embarked a 424-day around-the-world journey to six continents, visiting approximately 50 countries. The name of our expedition is “Trekking the Planet“.

What is Your Mission?

Our mission is to instill a greater awareness and curiosity about the world – its people, culture and our fragile planet – to as many kids as possible. Studies have shown that American knowledge of geography is among the worst in the world. By following the progress of this expedition, kids can gain greater knowledge of where Kyrgyzstan or Ethiopia is, for example, and learn more about the world’s people, culture and nature.


You must be a subscriber to receive our pre-trip monthly newsletters and free weekly geography education modules during our journey. You will also weekly receive email updates when we are on the road.

Please complete the Subscription Form below. We do not share your information with anyone.


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How is Your Journey Unique?

  • During the time we are away, we are taking approximately 12 hikes or “treks” to some of the most remote and unspoiled places in the world.
  • We are traveling by ground (boat, train, bus) where possible, to experience the world more closely and minimize our carbon footprint.
  • We are engaging K-12 students by providing enrichment materials: sixty (60) four-page weekly overviews (that correspond to where we will be) that use the framework of the Geography Standards of 1994 developed by the US National Council for Geographic Education.
  • We are sending out weekly supplemental emails with our impressions during our journey as well as images and video from the road. We have a website (http://TrekkingthePlanet.net), Facebook page and Twitter account (@TrekkingPlanet).
  • We want the communication to be two-way and plan to answer student questions along the way.
  • Our materials are totally free to educators, kids and parents.



When did your Journey Begin?

  • Our trip began on January 28, 2012. You can follow us LIVE here.


How can I Help?

  • Subscribe to our trip updates (see form above)
  • Send us your questions and comments
  • Help us to spread the word!

Looking for some ideas on how to use our materials in the classroom? After conversations with educators at the elementary, junior high and high school levels, we have developed the following 10 Fun Geography Activities list. We hope that these ideas can help in your classroom!


Photo courtesy of Flickr.com(cole24)