National Geographic explorers are groundbreaking scientists, conservationists, educators, and storytellers. They are curious about our planet, committed to understanding it, and passionate about helping to make it better.
Best of all, they want to connect with your students. Learn how below.
Explorer Classroom
Explorer Classroom digitally connects classrooms around the world with National Geographic explorers through live video events. Students have the opportunity to ask the explorer their questions directly. Each month Explorer Classroom features a new theme and provides supporting resources for educators.
Time Required
45 minutes
Availability
Online, open to all educators
Frequency
Multiple opportunities per week
Student Matinees
In these hour-long live events, explorers share exciting stories and answer student questions in various venues in the United States and some international locations. Each matinee speaker has a collection of educational resources to complement their presentation, including classroom activities, reference content, videos, maps, and more.
Time Required
Matinees are one hour plus transportation time. Museum visit add-ons are available at some locations.
Availability
In-person, select locations only
Frequency
Varies by location
Photograph by Ben Gibbs
Explorer Challenges
Three times per year, the online National Geographic Educator Network hosts themed Explorer Challenges. These challenges provide students the opportunity to learn about a National Geographic explorer in depth, create a project, and receive personalized video feedback from their new real-world hero.
Time Required
5–15 hours over 2–3 months
Availability
Online, open to all educators
Frequency
Three opportunities per year
Sign up through the National Geographic Educator Network.
Educator-Explorer Exchange
National Geographic Certified Educators are paired with National Geographic explorers to collaborate on a series of unique learning experiences over a school year. The pairs also engage in two-way professional development, with explorers sharing their content knowledge and educators sharing their pedagogical expertise.
Time Required
20–50 hours over 10 months
Availability
Online, open to National Geographic Certified Educators by application only
Frequency
One opportunity per year
Applications for the 2020-2021 program are open now. Apply by October 5th.
