What is an Expedition?

The “Galapagos for Kids” series is based on my 2018 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship. They are short, educational narratives written for a student audience at a K-5 reading level to enhance geographic education.

In February, I got an exciting phone call. I was told that two groups wanted me to go on a teacher expedition. An expedition is a trip where you learn and explore, which is different than a vacation. A vacation is a trip that is just for fun. On my expedition, I will learn about plants, animals, the earth, and the ocean. I will be going to the Galápagos Islands. They are a group of islands in the ocean, west of South America.

Ms. Travis at National Geographic in Washington, DC! Photo by Julia DeMarines

The two groups that picked me are National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. National Geographic makes the books, videos, and magazines with the yellow rectangle. They love studying the world, which is called geography, and want to teach people about it. Did you know that National Geographic is 130 years old this year? They are famous for working with people who take great photos. Then, they show other people parts of the world they have not been to.

Lindblad Expeditions also likes geography. But, they actually take people to those new places! They even go to places that are far away and very hard to get to. They have big ships that sail all around the world. There will be other adults and kids on my ship with me, and scientists, too. I am leaving in September for 10 days.

When I come back, I will be able to show everyone the cool things I got to see! There are lots of things we learn at school, mostly in science, that we can connect to the Galápagos. What kinds of things do you think I will see? Soon, I will tell you!

Ms. Travis loves National Geographic! Photo by Julia DeMarines

Have you read National Geographic? Photo by Alison Travis