When it comes to getting students excited about Geography, Dr. Saskia van de Gevel takes on the challenge. Her emphasis on hands-on learning gets students of all ages actively engaged in the geographic field, inside and outside the classroom.
Van de Gevel’s research interests are focused on endangered mountain forest ecosystems in eastern U.S. forests and high-elevation mountain ecosystems in the northern Rocky Mountains.
Her enthusiasm for geographic research and educational opportunities has been acknowledged with her selection as a 2018 National Geographic Geography Steward. In its inaugural year, the Geography Steward program is taking on the task of ensuring the next generation will be armed with geographic knowledge and global awareness.
"I'm excited to be working with National Geographic to support our N.C. Geography educators with professional development opportunities and K-12 students in the geo-inquiry learning process."
As a geography steward, van de Gevel will work with National Geographic staff to better prepare educators and students to become geographically competent through contributions to improving K-12 geography education in the United States.
Stewards support the National Geographic regional director in fostering close connections between National Geographic Explorers, grantees and educators within their state and beyond. Van de Gevel will facilitate continued partner and educator engagement with Regional and National Geographic headquarters, as well as serve as a geography expert and contact for National Geographic within the state of North Carolina.
She will also act as a National Geographic Bee and Geo-Challenge Judge or Host in 2018 as part of her commitment. The Geo Challenge is a standards-based competition from the National Geographic Society that challenges student groups in grades five through eight to develop a creative solution to a real-world problem.
The National Geographic Bee is an annual competition organized by the National Geographic Society, designed to inspire and reward students' curiosity about the world. Students in grades four through eight (4-8) from 10,000 schools across the United States will compete in the 2018 National Geographic Bee for a chance to win college scholarships and the glory of being the National Geographic Bee Champion.
To learn more about educational resources and opportunities offered by National Geographic, visit www.nationalgeographic.org/education. To learn more about the Department of Geography and Planning, in the College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian, visit www.geo.appstate.edu.
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About the Department of Geography and Planning
The Department of Geography and Planning promotes the understanding of the spatial dimensions of human behavior within the physical and cultural systems of the earth and the role of planning in achieving improvement in those systems. We offer a well-balanced curriculum which will aid students in finding productive places in society. In addition, we maintain a faculty and staff dedicated to teaching, scientific research and community and regional service. Learn more at https://geo.appstate.edu/.
By Ellen Gwin Burnette
March 29, 2018
BOONE, N.C.
Dr. Saskia van de Gevel Associate Professor Department of Geography and Planning|
Dr. Saskia van de Gevel Associate Professor Department of Geography and Planning