WASHINGTON (Feb. 16, 2005)–A new edition of the popular classroom magazine National Geographic Explorer, targeting younger readers, will debut in fall 2005.
The new publication, National Geographic Explorer Pioneer Edition, will be geared toward students in grades two to three, and like its older sibling, is designed to develop nonfiction reading skills through engaging science and social studies content.
The Pioneer Edition will have the same look and feel as the original National Geographic Explorer magazine, which will be renamed National Geographic Explorer Pathfinder Edition and targeted at grades four through six. Both editions, which will be published seven times during the school year, can be used in the classroom for differentiated learning.
“The two editions of National Geographic Explorer will give students in grades two through six the opportunity to explore new horizons and build background knowledge,” said Ericka Markman, president of the Children’s Books and Education Publishing Group. “With world-class reporting and stunning photography, National Geographic Explorer is designed to be a good read while turning children into good readers.”
There is a 10 percent discount on new and renewal orders for any edition of National Geographic Explorer if ordered before May 31, 2005. For 10 to 199 subscriptions, the discount price is $3.55 per student; the regular price is $3.95.
Like National Geographic, whose look it mirrors, the classroom magazine provides a wealth of information on science and social studies topics, tapping into data from the Society’s research expeditions and the activities of its eight Explorers-in-Residence. The science and social science content correlates with national curriculum standards and helps teachers meet the No Child Left Behind goals.
“The National Geographic Society, known for its accurate, authoritative information and visual storytelling, is uniquely positioned to provide children with quality reading materials about the world,” said Markman.
Developed with feedback from teachers and literacy experts, National Geographic Explorer covers a broad range of areas, including earth and space science, life science, physical science, science as inquiry, citizenship, culture, geography, government, history and technology. Illustrations, maps, tables, graphs and photo captions expose students to different nonfiction genres. Each 24-page issue contains a two-page, full-color map or diagram relating to an article. Articles are structured so they can convert to 20- to 40-minute classroom lessons. Each issue comes with an eight-page teacher’s guide that includes ready-to-copy worksheets that hone a variety of skills, such as scientific inquiry, map reading, research, writing and computation.
The magazine’s online edition, at nationalgeographic.com/ngexplorer, offers articles, adventures, quiz games, links related to each article, and information for parents and teachers.
Sponsored by International Paper Company Foundation and the Society’s Education Foundation, National Geographic Explorer is part of the Society’s initiative to improve elementary school students’ nonfiction literacy skills while providing high-quality science and social studies content. The literacy campaign aims to enhance children’s proficiency in reading and writing nonfiction texts so they can better understand information-based material. National Geographic Explorer and other Society educational products can be ordered by calling 1-800-368-2728.
Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. It reaches more than 280 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and its four other magazines; the National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; radio programs; films; books; videos and DVDs; maps; and interactive media. National Geographic has funded nearly 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, log on to nationalgeographic.com; AOL Keyword: NatGeo.
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