Program Description

With so much to see and do in Washington, D.C., how do we move beyond standard museum visits and guided tours? How do we teach students to approach their D.C. experience as active, engaged participants: present in the moment, and aware of themselves and the world around them?

The National Geographic Student Summit teaches students how to better understand the world around them by tapping into the skills of inquiry, engagement, and reporting that have guided National Geographic explorers, photographers, writers, and scientists for over a century.

We'll set out each day with trained Expedition Leaders and National Geographic Experts on dynamic field expeditions to monuments, museums, and leading policy-making institutions. We'll step behind the scenes at National Geographic Headquarters, meeting editors, researchers, cartographers, and explorers. Using National Geographic's approach to exploration, students become active explorers, preparing for the program with thought-provoking exercises and activities.

The week's events and activities present our nation's heritage and the story of D.C. itself through the lenses of our daily themes: storytelling, conservation, geoliteracy, cultural heritage, exploration, and stewardship. Most Student Summit activities are designed for all groups, but teachers will also have the opportunity to customize the program to meet their curriculum needs by choosing one of three areas of focus: science, social studies, or journalism.

Sample Itinerary

The following is a sample itinerary for one of our week-long programs. Your exact itinerary may differ based on your group's specific interests or to take advantage of timely D.C. events such as the National Geographic Museum's exhibition of China's terra-cotta warriors (through March 31) or the D.C. Environmental Film Festival (March 16-28). We look forward to working with your group to customize the program to fit your needs.

Please if you would like to see sample lesson plans for some of these activities.

Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival and Introduction: The National Geographic Approach to Exploration and Storytelling

Welcome to Washington! A National Geographic expert kicks off Student Summit with a lively afternoon presentation on the National Geographic Society, then sends students on their first expedition into downtown D.C. After dinner, students explore D.C.'s monuments and memorials by night, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and World War II Memorial. Students will practice their interviewing, photographing, and reporting skills as they reflect on the legends and ideals symbolized in the city's monuments and memorials.

Day 2 — Monday
Mapmaking and Geoliteracy

At our breakfast session, students are introduced to a map of Washington, D.C., and asked to consider how maps help us understand the world. Students explore the National Museum of Natural History to learn about the intertwined history of human beings, wildlife, and the planet. Science, social studies, and journalism students visit different exhibits according to their own focus. After lunch, the conversation continues during a behind-the-scenes visit to National Geographic headquarters, where students participate in a question-and-answer session with a National Geographic cartographer. Next, a National Geographic photographer prepares students for a photo walk through a nearby neighborhood, sharing tips and techniques for improving their photography skills. Finally, students head into the streets of D.C. to collect data—interviews, observations, artifacts, and photographs—to craft the D.C. Mega-Map, which will record their perceptions of the city throughout the week.

Day 3 — Tuesday
Exploration and Discovery

This morning, a National Geographic explorer shares his story of scientific discovery. Then students set off on an expedition of their own to the National Zoo. Here, students will take photos, analyze habitats, and learn about endangered species. After lunch in the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, science students head to the National Air and Space Museum, social studies students visit the National Museum of the American Indian, and journalism students tackle the Newseum. Later, teachers have the opportunity to introduce students to one of their own areas of interest during a teacher-selected expedition. In the evening, journalists, scientists, academics, lobbyists, and government officials take their places on a panel for a dynamic discussion about their careers.

Day 4 — Wednesday
Leadership and Public Policy

After a breakfast session during which students prepare questions to ask their State representatives, it's off to Capitol Hill. The expedition begins with a guided tour of the Capitol and a visit to the Senate and the Hall of the House of Representatives. Students have the opportunity to meet with their congressperson or a member of his/her staff. An interactive visit to the Library of Congress introduces students to the country's greatest collection of historic documents and published works—and the power of primary sources. Then a tour of the Supreme Court may even offer the chance to see the court in session. Next, students head to the National Museum of American History, where exhibits, artifacts, and even recreation actors help tell the story of our nation. On the way to dinner, students visit our nation's most famous residence, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, for a view of the White House. And what day of studying politics would be complete without a little political satire or theater? An evening trip to a Capitol Steps or Shakespeare Theatre show caps off the day.

Day 5 — Thursday
Conservation: Environmental Protection and Cultural Heritage

This morning, a National Geographic magazine editor talks to the students about conservation and climate change. With the help of the editor, students develop questions to ask during their visit to the Environmental Protection Agency, where they will meet with an EPA staff member and learn about government efforts to combat climate change and preserve our natural resources. After lunch, science students discover the city from a different angle on a five-mile canoe trip on the Anacostia Watershed. Social studies and journalism students may choose to visit the National Museum of American Art or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This evening, learn about development in the southwest section of D.C. from a citizen-journalist who has documented the neighborhood's many recent changes since the new Nationals Ballpark history. Then we head out to the ballgame!

Day 6 — Friday
Community Service, Stewardship, and Wrap-up

This morning, students set out on a community-service project tailored to their curricular focus. Social studies and journalism students work at social service agencies, while science students work on an environmentally-focused project such as the Anacostia River cleanup. In the afternoon, students set out on the Geography Hunt, an exploratory activity that allows students to apply all they have learned during the Student Summit by collecting geographic, photographic, and written information throughout the city. At the Student Summit's closing ceremony, students reflect on their week, and a National Geographic expert discusses opportunities for students to craft and publish their stories, maps, and photo essays on the Student Summit website. The week concludes with a festive farewell celebration.

Day 7 — Saturday
Departure

Students bid the city a fond farewell and return home, ready to share all that they have learned with friends and family.

Please if you would like to see sample lesson plans for some of these activities.