Geography Education in Massachusetts

Over the past couple years, Dr. Domingo and I (Dr. Hayes-boh) and other members of the EarthView team have spent a lot of time at North Andover Middle School. We often stay for two days in a row so that we can participate in Family Geography Night. Mr. Robert Poirier organizes teachers from throughout the school to transform the whole school into a learning environment for students, siblings, parents, and neighbors, including local dignitaries.

The October 2011 Family Geography Night made a particular impression, receiving an Official Citation from the Massachusetts Senate for the dedication of Mr. Poirier and his team to education. The 2011 event was also notable for a special project undertaken by Mr. Poirier and North Andover High School student Alexander Gamble. Alexander interviewed us and filmed EarthView and other activities that evening, and the two of them produced a remarkably effective, five-minute video that supports geography education, with particular emphasis on our current legislative efforts.

We put the video online just yesterday, and it has already garnered attention at National Geographic in Washington. Please share the video widely, and follow up on its recommendations to contact Massachusetts legislators in support of geography!