Friday’s Food for Thought: I Believe the Children are our Future and Geography is Awesome

Friday’s Food for Thought: I Believe the Children are our Future and Geography is Awesome:

Welcome to the Friday’s Food for Thought post from got geoint? Earlier this week, we did a post about a “geography whiz kid” who is a true inspiration for future generations of GEOINTers. We were so taken with his contributed post on the Google Lat Long Blog, that we decided to make the theme of this week’s FFFT post all about creating a passion for geography for future generations. We hope you enjoy and happy Friday!
What Can You Do with Geography? A Word from a Geography Whiz Kid

It’s no secret that the editorial staff of got geoint? are major fans of geography education. It is the foundation by which future generations of GEOINTers can catch the passion for geography, which can ultimately lead to a fulfilling career in the GEOINT world. Be sure to check out our full post about one special geography whiz kid here.
USGIF YPG GeoHunt

Last year, USGIF launched GeoHunt, which is an educational exploration, similar to geocaching, that introduces children to elements and power of GEOINT in hopes of getting them excited about a future in geospatial intelligence. On August 19, 2011, the first GeoHunt took place in Washington DC with roughly 20 volunteers from USGIF member organizations GeoEye, RadiantBlue, SI Organization and Skybox Imaging who taught 20 children from the Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club about the basic principles of geospatial intelligence and its importance. Be sure to check out the podcast we did with John Fenwick, Vice President of Government Programs at SkyBox Imaging, and Carrie Drake, Event Operations & Community Relations Manager at USGIF, about this special event here.
National Geographic’s Geography Bee

Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee, which is a contest designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. Hosted by National Geographic, this is the go-to event for creating a passion for geography in children. And, the National Bee will be taking place in late May, which we will surely be covering.
Why You Should Learn Geography

We came across this Social Studies Wiki from an elementary school that absolutely nails why the study of geography is important. Check out more here.
Geography is Awesome

Check out this video called “Geography is Awesome” that is, well, awesome. The first part of the video is slightly scary and entertaining all at the same time. Check it out and you will see what we mean. Happy Friday!