The Explorer Mindset is a series of attributes, shared values and commitments that define what it means to be a National Geographic Explorer.
We believe that every person has the potential to develop that same Explorer Mindset that drives Explorers to inquire, seek knowledge and think critically and creatively to solve the world’s most pressing problems.
Our Explorer Mindset Learning Framework
We developed a competency-based framework that identifies and codifies the Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge that are indicators of the Explorer Mindset.
Download the framework in English, en Español, or en Français.
Focus Areas
The Explorer Mindset Learning Framework (EMLF) communicates National Geographic’s core beliefs and values about the role of inquiry and geography in engaging with the world to foster curiosity, build knowledge, and inspire informed action to protect the wonder of our world. National Geographic focuses on exploring in six critical areas.
The Explorer Mindset In Action
Watch the following videos and use the tools below to find out how the Explorer Mindset manifests for each of our National Geographic Explorers in their work.
Further Resources
Develop Your Own Explorer Mindset
Utilize these grounded resources to put your Explorer Mindset into action.
Our Methodology
Developing the Framework
The Explorer Mindset Learning Framework was developed by a collective of geography experts; educators; organizations specializing in global competence and citizenship, environmental education and conservation, GIS; competency and performance assessment experts; and National Geographic Explorers.
The Explorer Mindset Learning Framework is aligned to and cross-walked against at least 12 global frameworks, including the US Geography, NGSS Science, and C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards, ESRI’s Geographic Approach; OECD, WEF, Asia Society, World Savvy, and The Nature Conservancy’s global competencies; and National Geographic Education’s Globally Inclusive Design Principles.
