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National Geographic Bee Registration Deadline

Posted on December 4, 2015

The deadline for registering your school for the National Geographic Bee is fast approaching. This program, for students in grades 4-8, challenges them to learn about the world and how it works. Early registration is $100 and ends December 18th! To register, visit NATGEOBEE.COM, log in, and find your school by zip code.

South Hamilton & Big Cats Travel to the Henry Doorly Zoo

Posted on May 18, 2015

On May 14, the South Hamilton Elementary 5th grade traveled to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE to see the endangered animals and big cats they researched in conjunction with National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative. It was a great day, filled with learning, laughter, and animals! A big cat animal keeper also spoke to the 5th grade about his job and taking care of tigers, jaguars, lions, and other big cats. The 5th grade enjoyed asking the keeper questions and seeing the endangered big cats and animals they are helping raise awareness for. 

Big Cats Initiative at South Hamilton Elementary

Posted on February 20, 2015

GAI Coordinator, Dr. Alex Oberle, and Undergraduate Research Assistant, Mollie Ullestad, traveled to South Hamilton Elementary (Jewell, IA) with UNI's mascots, TC and TK, to spread awareness about National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative. South Hamilton students are participating in a reading week with the theme "Save the Big Cats", and the 5th grade is doing a research project about environmental conservation and endangered species, including big cats.

TC is Supporting the Big Cats Initiative

Posted on April 15, 2014

UNI's beloved mascot, "TC", fully supports National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative! Big Cats is an action committed to saving lions, tigers, panthers (like "TC"), leopards, jaguars, and other big cats in the wild. The goal of the initiative is the long-term survival of big cats by reducing threats, such as poaching and snaring, keeping the peace between cats and local farmers, and community outreach and engagement.

Common Core Alignment with Geography

Posted on February 12, 2012

The GAI is collaborating with the National Geographic Society and several other state alliances to align the new National Geography Standards with the Common Core "Literacy in History/Social Studies".  By about Spring 2013, we expect to distribute an easy-to-use "crosswalk" that will assist Iowa teachers, curriculum coordinators, and AEAs with identifying specific ways that geography curriculum can advance students' reading and writing skills.  You can now view and provide feedback on a draft version of the

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