Roma e il Vaticano sono la culla del Barocco, che trova qui la sua espressione più alta ed è parte integrante dell’ambiente urbano. L’arte non è più, come nel Rinascimento, uno strumento di conoscenza razionale, ma vuole emozionare lo spettatore. Il suo stile spettacolare celebra il potere della Chiesa e delle monarchie europee, suscitando meraviglia. Un itinerario alla scoperta dei principali monumenti della Roma barocca, dalla sommità del Colle del Gianicolo alla Basilica di San Pietro.
The leading global urban art biennale at one of the world’s most fascinating locations: The 4th UrbanArt Biennale® at the World Cultural Heritage Site Völklinger Ironworks presents 100 artists with 150 artworks from 17 countries and 4 continents. The exhibition exemplifies the 21st-century art form that emerged from graffiti. This year’s focus are works from South America.
Although not celebrated as much nowadays, during Victorian times and in previous centuries, Twelfth Night, the last night of the Christmas season, was one of the biggest feast days of the winter holidays, with dancing, games, performances and plenty of food and drink for everyone. In the home of Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine at 48 Doughty Street in London, the party included a theatrical show in which family and friends, including the children, dressed up and acted out scenes from Dickens's own stories, as well as popular folk tales. Mamie Dickens, one of Charles Dickens's daughters, later remembered these shows as ‘those merry, happy times’. Join this Expedition to the Charles Dickens Museum and take part in some of the family cheer.
Northern Ireland’s Ulster Museum is home to rich collections of art, history and natural sciences. The history galleries tell the story of the people of Ireland from their first arrival until the present day, while the science collections uncover the story of life on Earth from earliest times and explain the forces that have shaped our environment. The Ulster Museum’s Art collection contains examples of Irish art, alongside works by internationally-renowned greats.
The Alice Austen House is the only museum devoted to a woman photographer in the United States, and one of very few preserved artist’s homes and studios in New York City. Alice Austen, born in 1866, was a trailblazer – a rebel who broke away from the constraints of her Victorian environment and forged an independent life that pushed boundaries of acceptable female behavior and social rules. Her family’s home, Clear Comfort, now the museum, shaped Alice Austen’s experiences, served as her first studio space and darkroom, and opened up to her a world of subjects beyond her comfortable, upper-middle class suburban existence.
Art has long been synonymous with Miami, and there’s arguably no better time in the year to check out art from around the world than at Art Basel Miami Beach. In its 15th year, the 2016 festival saw nearly 100,000 art buyers, gallery owners and celebrities flood South Florida for all things related to art -- despite a politically charged election year and fears of the Zika virus. Little surprise, much of the art drew on political and social themes.
At the Konzerthaus Berlin, everything revolves around music – at all times of day. In order for a concert to run smoothly, many different people need to work together. Event technicians, stage technicians, not to mention the musicians of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin themselves – everyone collaborates together, turning each concert into a successful evening. Take a look behind the scenes and become acquainted with the different places where music is performed, rehearsals take place and work is carried out.
This is Germany’s oldest arts and crafts museum, and its collections bring together an almost inexhaustible variety of different materials and forms of arts and crafts, fashion and design dating from the early Middle Ages right through to the present day. Our collection of costumes and accessories from the 18th to the 20th Centuries is one of the most extensive of its kind in Germany. On this tour you can go round the exhibition and see how the clothing is restored and preserved.
The Australian Museum's mission is to use the vast collections it houses to research, interpret, communicate and apply understanding of the environments and cultures of the Australian region to increase their long-term sustainability. Museum collections have three broad functions: they are used for education, research and as a permanent store for specimens of great historical and scientific importance. These include specimens of extinct species, as well as “type specimens” – the first specimen used to describe and name a new species. The collections provide a reference to the fauna, geology and cultural heritage of Australia and the region. In this Expedition, you’ll discover staff and researchers at work in the laboratories behind the scenes at the Australian Museum.
The sea has always fascinated people. The German Oceanographic Museum's mission is to make this fascination tangible. At four museum locations, visitors can enter into various worlds of discovery. All the presentations (exhibitions, aquariums, educational events and publications) are based on reliable and scientifically documented findings. They always reflect the current status of marine research. The work behind the scenes can be illustrated by visiting selected departments.
Journey to the wilds of Borneo where scientists are examining what sound can tell us about the animals that live there. Just as animals compete for resources like food and habitat, they also compete for space in the soundscape. A healthy ecosystem should be rich with sound - like a symphony! Scientists at The Nature Conservancy are trying to use the symphony of the rainforest to learn how to conserve it and keep the ecosystem healthy!
Christmas lights have a long history. The Christmas tree decorated with wax candles and ornaments has its origins in 16th century Germany. In the mid-1800s, Christmas trees were popularized in Britain when a print appeared showing Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their children gathered around a fir tree decorated with ‘fairy lights’. In 1882, Thomas Edison’s partner Edward H. Johnson hand wired coloured electric bulbs in a string to decorate his Christmas tree, but electric Christmas lights didn’t become affordable to the public until the 1920s. Back in Britain, London’s renowned department store Selfridge’s put on a lighted Christmas display as early as 1935. In 1954, Christmas lights went up along the length of Regent Street for the first time, and a tradition was born. On this yuletide Expedition, we’ll stroll the streets of London’s West End to get a look at some spectacular Christmas lights.
Hatch Show Print is a large print shop where visitors can watch posters roll off the presses. Believed to be the oldest active poster print shop in America. Hatch was founded in downtown Nashville in 1879 by brothers Charles and Herbert Hatch. Today, Hatch is owned and operated by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as a working business and historic site, carrying on the nineteenth-century traditions and practices of letterpress printmaking. Their eye-catching posters are in demand by many businesses and entertainers, including rock stars and country music icons.
William Wordsworth wrote some of the most popular and lasting poems in English literature. Many of them were written right here, at Dove Cottage in the Lake District in northern England, where he lived with his sister, Dorothy, and later his wife, Mary Hutchinson. Wordsworth’s most famous poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” (also known as “Daffodils”), was inspired by a walk he took with Dorothy during which they came across “a crowd” of daffodils.
In this Expedition, we’ll roam the streets of some of Europe’s cities and towns in search of street art. The work of street artists proliferates across the continent and sometimes takes gargantuan proportions. Europe’s street artists share preferences for using spray paint and house paint and for promoting themselves through social media. Some street artists have academic fine arts training and some are self-taught folk artists. In style, their work is incredibly various. But whatever their styles or personal circumstances, street artists bear visual witness to realities of modern urban life.
Study the artwork of renowed impressionists
Join living legend Finlay Allison, folk musician, as he teaches his fans to play fiddle, ukulele and mandolin in his own quirky style. Discover a career path that will allow the musician locked within you to fly free.
Meet Jonathan Yeo, an artist who lives and works in London. Jonathan works mainly in oil paint and is known for painting portraits of well-known people such as peace activist Malala Yousafzai, comedian David Walliams and fellow artist Damien Hirst.
José Martí was a Cuban poet, philosopher, and revolutionist who fought for Cuba’s independence from Spain. Martí was exiled from Cuba, and travelled through Latin American before settling in New York City in 1880. During his 15 years in the United States, he made many visits to the Cuban-American neighbourhood of Ybor City in Tampa, Florida, where he inspired the community to support the revolution. Martí believed that Cuba should be a self-governing democratic republic. He advocated for the abolition of slavery and unity among Cuban social classes and ethnic and racial groups. He is honoured and remembered around the world as the Apostle of Cuban Independence.
Walk the side streets of nearly any Latino neighborhood in the United States, and you’re likely to come upon a brilliantly painted wall. These murals, or wall paintings by Latino artists are a reflection of Muralism or Muralism an artistic movement generated in Latin America. Through Muralism, artists in Latin America found a distinctive art form that provided for political and cultural expression, often focusing on issues of social justice related to their indigenous roots. As you walk through Latino neighborhoods in the U.S., you’ll see murals that are the fruit of organized community projects alongside expressions of graffiti and privately commissioned works by world-famous street artists.
Leonard Bernstein was born on August 25, 1918, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the son of Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants. Soon after his birth, he and his parents moved to Boston, Massachusetts. Bernstein showed an early interest in music. He began playing the piano at age 10 and eventually developed into a highly accomplished pianist, composer, and conductor. Best known for his Broadway hit West Side Story, he was one of the first American-born and educated conductors to gain international acclaim.
Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) was a ground-breaking Mexican artist and political activist whose work continues to influence artists today. Kahlo’s life was full of tragedy and pain, and she used her suffering to shape her art. Known for her many self-portraits, she explained, “I paint myself because I am often alone, and I am the subject I know best.” In this Expedition, we’ll visit important locations in Kahlo’s life and examine some of her most famous works.
Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) was a Mexican artist whose highly original and often provocative paintings serve as an autobiography of her turbulent inner life. In this tour, we’ll visit sites that were important in her life from the early 1930s until her death.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of Scotland’s most celebrated designers and architects. He was responsible for a number of the most striking buildings in Glasgow and beyond in the early 20th century, including his world-famous Glasgow School of Art. He also created watercolours, textiles and interior designs. His furniture design – especially his high-backed chairs – is particularly distinctive. Mackintosh’s artistic approach was forward thinking, representing a link between Art Nouveau and Modernism.
Take a closer look at masterpieces of the nineteenth century, a period in which a style known as Romanticism developed. During this period many artists explored human emotion and relations – experimenting and breaking the traditional rules of art.
Explore pyramids, tombs, and othet great masterpieces of Ancient Egypt.
Let’s take a closer at some of the architectural masterpieces of Roman Art after 100 C.E. still standing today. Capture the exterior and interior the Forum and Markets of Trajan, or Hadrian’s Villa, made from the most luxurious materials that could be found in the Roman Empire.
Look through Ancient Roman masterpieces up until 100 C.E. Preservation allows us to continue to exploring these works of artistry, like the Maison Carrée, the best preserved Ancient Roman temple. Discover what makes these artworks so special while learning about Rome.
Islamic art, infused with Greek and Roman influence, is known for its extraordinarily complex stone carvings – seen in the Mshatta Palace and the Taj Mahal. Journey through this expedition to take a closer look at these intricate carvings and discover the materials used to create these masterpieces.
Art in the Age of Revolution was largely shaped by historical events (i.e. the French Revolution). This tour shows some of the most notable artworks created during the Age of Revolution and explains the meaning and history of each.
Explore Mexican art and architectural masterpieces. In this tour, trek through El Tajin, one of the great cities of Ancient Mesoamerica or immerse yourself in a gallery filled with paintings and drawings by Frida Kahlo at the Museo Dolores Olmedo.
Take a closer look at art during the Baroque period, known for its exaggerated movement, intricate shapes, and complex patterns. We’ll take a look at Saint Peter’s Square, architecturally inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, and get to know great Baroque painters like Caravaggio and Gentileschi.
Take a closer look at Renaissance masterpieces. In this Expedition you'll travel to the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria in Florence, The Doge’s Palace in Venice, Campidoglio and Capitoline Museums in Rome and the Frick Collection in New York City.
Take a closer look at masterpieces of Venetian Art and Architecture. We'll explore the Piazza di San Marco, the Ca' d'Oro palace located on the Grand Canal and Villa Rotunda.
Discover the poetic and picturesque medieval ruins of France and Britain.
Since 1987, the artists at CitéCréation have been transforming abandoned public walls in Lyon into colorful murals. These murals pay tribute to an element of Lyon's rich history and social legacy. Together they form one giant open-air gallery that is a defining feature of Lyon's urban landscape, admired by both tourists and residents alike.
The Expedition goes behind the scenes of the Museum of European Culture, part of the National Museums in Berlin. Many different objects from the clothing cultures of all Europe have been stored in the museum’s depot since the 19th Century.
Explore the inventive world of Jára Cimrman, a Czech fictional character of a universal genius created by Jiří Šebánek, Ladislav Smoljak and Zdeněk Svěrák. He is presented as one of the greatest Czech playwrights, poets, composers, teachers, travellers, philosophers, inventors, detectives, mathematicians, amateur obstetricians and sportsmen of the 19th and early 20th century.
The Museum of Transology, an exhibition at Fashion Space Gallery, London College of Fashion, challenges the idea that gender is fixed and biologically determined through an exploration of the ways in which artefacts have helped shape gender identities. Collected and curated by E-J Scott, the display features photography, documentary films and more than 120 objects and handwritten labels reflecting the diverse trans experience.
Wilton’s Music Hall is the earliest surviving grand Victorian music hall. Situated in London’s East End and close to the London Docks and the Tower of London, it was one of the city’s greatest entertainment venues. In its day, it was said that in the ports of San Francisco Wilton’s was more famous than St Paul’s Cathedral. Music hall is a form of variety performance popular in Britain from around 1850. An evening of music hall might include singing, dancing, comedy, circus and novelty acts. Wilton’s hosted some of the biggest names in music hall history, including the dashing Champagne Charlie. After decades of neglect, this iconic venue has reopened. In this Expedition, you’ll explore Wilton’s Music Hall and hear about some of the stars of the stage.
The term "instrument" comes from the Latin for "device" or "tool," and is a word that can be used in many ways. Optical instruments, for example, are used to survey the sky and explore the universe. Acoustic instruments, on the other hand, produce sounds. This is a short journey through the worlds of astronomy and music.
Look inside this wonder of French artistic brilliance and experience this majestic royal palace which would become a symbol of the monarchy during the French Revolution
This is a collection of various events throughout the world.
A snapshot of life around the globe by Getty Images photographers, providing unique access to world events and iconic locations
Paris, France is known as the “city of light.” It is the subject of countless paintings, novels, poems, and films, and its architecture, museums, and monuments draw visitors from around the world. Paris’s history is only one part of its appeal. It remains a vital center of visual art, fashion, cuisine, and learning. And as the capital of France and the largest city in the European Union, Paris is also a seat of financial and political power. Many people believe the city of Paris demonstrates the height of Western European culture.
Look around and you’ll see the subjects that Van Gogh loved to paint most: portraits, landscape, and still life. But unlike the Impressionists, whose work used more realistic colors, Van Gogh and Gauguin were interested in color that could suggest emotions and ideas. In 1888, Van Gogh left Paris, he wrote to his brother, “It’s my plan to go to the south for a while, as soon as I can, where there’s even more color and even more sun.”
Take a tour of recording studio and learn about all the roles that it takes to create an excellent sounding tack.
The first audio recordings were made in the 19th century. We don’t have a record of how anything at all sounded before this – nobody knows how Henry VIII spoke or exactly what Roman music was like. But since the invention of audio recording, technology has advanced rapidly, changing music with it. We’re going to visit Chem19, a modern recording studio near Glasgow, to see the techniques that are used. But first, let’s look at the history of recorded sound.
Robert Burns (1759─1796) was a pioneer of the Romantic movement in poetry and is, by popular acclaim, the national poet of Scotland. In this Expedition, we’ll travel to Alloway in southwestern Scotland to explore Burns Cottage, built in 1757 by Burns’ father, William Burnes, and the poet’s birthplace. Today, the cottage is open to the public as part of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Then we’ll travel about 16 kilometres (10 miles) north to Tarbolton and the Bachelor’s Club, a 17th century house where as a young man Robert Burns learned to dance, formed a debating club and became a Freemason.
Welcome to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Every year, the Conservatoire trains thousands of students how to be actors, directors, set builders, costumers, lighting and sound technicians, musicians, dancers and film-makers. The students also put on more than 500 shows every year. Today, led by director Ian Wooldridge, the actors will rehearse Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is a theatre company based in Stratford-upon-Avon. Within the RSC buildings there are three theatres. The company makes all its work locally and shares it with audiences around the world. The RSC creates an artistic programme each year that sets Shakespeare in context, alongside the work of his contemporaries and today’s writers. This Expedition will take you behind the scenes to explore some of the jobs that help bring RSC productions to life.
Join Preston Sowell, a photographer for the Sibinacocha Watershed Project as he journeys up into the Peruvian Andes studying a high-alpine lake, Laguna Sibinacocha. Under the surface of this lake are ancient ruins, believed to have been made by the Inca or pre-Inca people more than 600 years ago. Come along with Preston and his team as they continue to study this environment and the animals that live there.
Get to know the history of Victoria’s people and culture by making a virtual visit to State Library Victoria and exploring key items from its collection. Discover the stories behind a selection of paintings, sculpture, architectural elements, letters and more.
Take a look inside the Virginia home of Anne Spencer, one of the most influential poets from the Harlem Renaissance
Welcome to the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. The concert hall in Hamburg is situated on the river Elbe between the harbour and city centre. Today we would like to take you on a tour of the large concert organ in the Grand Hall of the Elbphilharmonie. The organ has nearly 5,000 pipes, some of which can be touched. Spanning 15 metres in height and breadth it is spread over 3 tiers behind the seating so that the audience is very close to the music.
Get a closer look at the art and exhibitions of the Freer Sackler Galleries at the Smithsonian.
In honor Black History Month, we visit some of the historic sites that helped define and currently celebrate America's true art form, jazz.
Discover the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh by studying his art in museums around the world.
After the 1957 Broadway musical became an international hit, Hollywood created its own version of West Side Story, which opened in 1961. Though the screenplay was reworked for film, and the order of some songs was switched, the most exciting elements of the musical remained: the dynamic choreography, the Shakespearean plot, and Leonard Bernstein’s classic songs and score. Using a combination of location shots in New York and stylized sets in Los Angeles, the filmmakers created a startling visual representation of the streets of Manhattan.
Skyscrapers, public spaces, apartment houses—learn how Paris, London, and Berlin became modern through architecture, transport, new materials and eng
Welcome to The Old Vic in Waterloo, London, where the theatre’s 200 staff members and the visiting directors, designers, writers, choreographers, composers and actors always strive to present the most thought-provoking, exciting theatre. In 2015, when Matthew Warchus took over as Artistic Director, he adopted a motto based on a notice Lilian Baylis, the theatre’s founder, kept above her desk: ‘Dare, always dare!’ So, once again, welcome to our theatre—come on in, we dare you!
William Shakespeare (1564–1616), arguably one of the greatest playwrights of all time, relied on geographical description to help colour his histories, tragedies and comedies. Born and raised in the English countryside of Stratford-upon-Avon, his works were first written and performed in the city of London, England, during the 16th and 17th centuries. Shakespeare, however, did not limit himself to England when setting his 38 plays. His characters fictionally inhabited at least 14 modern-day countries by some counts. Today his plays, more than any other playwright living or dead, are performed and read in nations around the globe.
Don Quijote de la Mancha, by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, is a satire on chivalry and a masterpiece of world literature. This tour visits scenes from the novel.
Using nothing more than an inflatable wing, paragliders are able to soar at altitude for hours; they also take off from the ground using no motor at all. This man is flying over Borso del Grappa, northwest of Venice in northern Italy. The site is in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains.
Urban geography is the study of the spatial patterns of cities. In cities, people dramatically reshape the environment. They build houses, businesses, transportation networks, parks, schools, and whatever else they need. Urban geographers study such topics as where cities are located and why, how cities function, and why the world’s urban population is growing. On this expedition, you will explore Paris, ancient Rome, Shanghai, São Paulo, and Reykjavik to learn about urban geography.
The 1957 Broadway production of West Side Story tried to bring the darkness, edge, and grit of New York City to the stage via choreography, costume, and music. Scenic designer Oliver Smith was part of that effort. For each scene, he built a stark, minimalized representation of the streets of Manhattan. Tenement buildings, flimsy fire escapes, graffitied walls, chain-link fences and towering bridge supports gave the production an air of tension and entrapment. This was an environment where characters had to fight for every scrap of power or hope.
The Renaissance was a rebirth of learning, art, and architecture that took place in Europe during the 15th through the 17th centuries. Explorers, scientists, and inventors made important advances during this period. Some new technologies were imported from the East, but most Renaissance inventions evolved from the European technological innovations of the 13th and 14th centuries.
Impressionism was a groundbreaking art movement in its day. The practitioners moved from studio based, formal painting, using line and contour to painting real life scenes outside, using free brush strokes. This tour gives an overview of these radical artists’ work.
The word “culture” means a way of life among a group of people. Fashion, or style of dress, plays an important role in expressing and preserving the traditions of cultures. In this lesson, we’ll explore fashions from different cultures.
Leonardo da Vinci was a scientist and inventor who was born in 1452 in Italy. He is widely recognised as a prolific inventor today, however many of his inventions were never built during his lifetime. He drew many sketches and images of his ideas, but either lost fascination with creating them or was never in a position to persuade any of his rich patrons to fund the building of his designs.
Take a journey through the history of America’s first African American World War II combat aviators known as the Tuskegee Airmen as we walk through the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Located within the Museum’s World War II Gallery, is a permanent exhibit of artifacts dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. This exhibit tells the story of how African American pilots and crews overcame racial prejudice at home to become one of America’s elite fighter units in history. Often misunderstood and looked down upon because of their race, American heavy bomber crews soon came to respect the Tuskegee “Red Tails” as they escorted them deep into the heart of Nazi-occupied Germany.
This expedition showcases the modern-day look of years of erosion and destruction of different societies in Central and Southern America.
Join us on a journey to Bhutan to walk through “The Palace of Great Happiness,” the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers, and more!
The Kingdom of Bhutan is the only country in the world in which Vajrayana Buddhism is the state religion. Buddhist practice and scholarship is focused in 8 major monasteries and approximately 200 smaller monasteries and nunneries, where over 12,000 monks and 5,000 nuns in training meditate, chant, study, and work under the guidance and tutelage of ordained monks and nuns, and lay monks called gomchen. In this Expedition, we’ll visit a small monastery in central Bhutan that has been active for over 500 years.
The Roman baths at Billingsgate (a ward of the City of London on the north bank of the Thames) was discovered in 1848 during construction of the London Coal Exchange and preserved in the basement of the building. When the Coal Exchange was demolished in the late 1960s to make way for a wider road, further excavations of the Roman remains were carried out and the accompanying house discovered. The remains of the house and its bathhouse were preserved in the basement of the new building. Join this Expedition to explore the site and learn what it meant to take a bath in Roman Britain.
Join the pandemonium of the world's largest sporting event and get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the epic 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Brymbo Heritage Project is being driven by local people who are passionate about conserving and celebrating Brymbo’s industrial heritage. They are a voluntary group that was set up in the 1990s. The group has grown considerably since then, and it has developed a vision for the remains of the former iron and steelworks and fossil forest area to play a major role in the area’s ongoing regeneration.
Join me on my journey to Cafe Campos Altos in Campos Altos Brazil after harvest season to get a first person perspective on what it really takes to get that cup of coffee into your hands.
Explore the peaceful serenity of Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii.
Discover the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, an iconic symbol of remembrance and a tribute to all Canadians who served in the First World War. During your visit, you will see first-hand the beauty of the Memorial’s magnificent sculptures, read the carved names of 11,285 Canadians who died in France and at that time had no known final resting place, and even fly to the top of the monument for a unique view of the site and surrounding countryside! You will also explore the 117-hectare site’s preserved battlefield, tunnels and frontline trenches, honour the fallen in beautifully maintained cemeteries, and learn about Canadian contributions to the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the First World War.
Castle Rushen is situated at the centre of the Isle of Man’s historic capital, Castletown. This is one of Europe’s most finely preserved medieval castles. Its origins are in the Norse period when Norse Kings fortified a strategic site guarding the entrance to the Silverburn River. The earliest evidence of construction on the site dates from about 1190, when a square tower was built. The castle was expanded and its defences strengthened by successive rulers of Mann between the 13 th and 17 th centuries. Throughout those years, its towering limestone walls would have been a continual reminder to the local populace of the dominance of the Kings and Lords of Mann.
The United States is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Throughout its history, waves of immigrants have arrived and added to the rich diversity of cultural traditions. One way that Americans’ ethnic diversity is expressed is through cultural festivals and celebrations. This expedition focuses on five different celebrations—Crow Fair, Juneteenth, Cinco de Mayo, Chinese New Year, and Mardi Gras—to explore America’s ethnic diversity.
Come to Cuba and explore Central Plaza, the Little Faces Building and more!
The buildings where legislatures meet in central and southern Europe (France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) reflect both the long histories of their countries and the modern governments they house. In fact, the governments of many of these countries are among the oldest in the western world, and the buildings where their laws are created attest to their longevity. As you visit each one, consider how history has shaped the architecture and how the architecture reflects history.
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is the author of many well-known and well-loved stories, including Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. Today, he is widely considered to be the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. The brick house at 48 Doughty Street is the only London house that Dickens lived in as an adult that is still standing. The author’s oldest daughters were born here along with some of his most important works. Now a museum, the house contains thousands of artefacts relating to Dickens and the era he portrayed in his novels. In this Expedition, you’ll explore the house, learn about some of the items on display and discover what life in Victorian London might have been like for Dickens and his family.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) was built in 1887 to commemorate the Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee (it was originally named Victoria Terminus in her honour). Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, the building blends elements of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival and classic Indian architecture. In 2004, UNESCO named the terminus a World Heritage Site. Today, over 3 million people a day embark at CSMT to travel to points throughout India. In this Expedition, we’ll examine the building’s key architectural elements.
Chichen Itza in Yucatán State, Mexico, was a pre-Columbian city built by the Mayans. The area was originally settled sometime around 450 A.D. It became a center of Mayan culture and society and remained so for nearly 1,000 years. Excavation of the ruins began in 1841. By then, over 100 years had passed since the city was abandoned, but the building materials and techniques used by the Mayans assured that much had survived. Many of the site’s structures are notable for their beautiful proportions and their remarkable carved decorations. Join this Expedition to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the ancient Mayan civilization.
Get an inside look at the life of the last traditional Chief of the Crow tribe and his adoption of the culture of white settlers.
Children’s Village school was built in 1979 in rural Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. It is Thailand’s first democratic school, dedicated to providing freedom of choice to its students. Students are given a strong voice, study what they choose and participate equally with teachers in village votes. The school bases its education system on A.S. Neil’s Summerhill method. Classes here are offered from primary through high school for their approximately 150 students.
View the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, Churchill, Manitoba, a small town rich in Inuit culture on the shores of Hudson Bay in Canada. See what life in the far north is like, in a town with many challenges due to the harsh winter climate and its remote location. The population of Churchill is under 1,000 people, but around 11,000 eco-tourists from all over the world visit each year. Tourists travel there to observe polar bears on the tundra as they begin to journey out on the frozen Hudson Bay in the fall; view thousands of beluga whales as they travel to the Churchill river estuary to calf in July and August; and birdwatch the 270 recorded species of birds that are present between May and August.
Take an exclusive look at an old Native American celebration and immerse yourself in tribal culture.
Get ready to travel to Devprayag, a town situated in Uttarakhand, a northern mountain state in India. The name of the town means ‘godly confluence’, a reference to the fact that two rivers – Alaknanda and Bhagirathi – meet here to make the famous Ganges river, which is a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus all over the world. Hinduism is an ancient belief system originating in the Indian sub-continent, which encompasses varied philosophies, beliefs and rituals. This holy river has tremendous ecological, cultural and social significance for Hindus, and serves as a lifeline to millions of humans and other species in India! Come; let’s take a walk around this holy town to find out more!
In this expedition, you will learn about Chinese dynasties. You’ll visit the Forbidden City in Beijing and learn about the 24 Ming and Qing emperors who ruled from within its walls. You’ll explore traditional Chinese architecture at Tiananmen Tower and learn about religious traditions at the Temple of Heaven Park. Then you’ll visit the Great Wall to understand how it was constructed over many years under different dynasties and how it has come to be a symbol of China.
Welcome to the Drygate brewery in Glasgow, Scotland. Beer has been brewed in Scotland for more than 5,000 years, and, at the site of a former box factory, Drygate is continuing this tradition. Brewing beer is a complex scientific process that requires highly skilled workers. It involves a chemical process called anaerobic respiration that is important to all life. Let’s explore how it works.
A visit to Bangladesh to see how investing in education and skills helps build the economy. Explore the streets of the capital Dhaka, meet teachers and students, and visit classrooms where young people are learning vocational skills.
A distinctive feature of the British landscape is its many churches. The Churches Conservation Trust cares for over 350 churches that aren’t regularly used for worship any more. Once the hearts of their communities, these churches have much to tell us about the people they served and their own stories. In this Expedition, we’ll explore a typical English church from the 12th-century: St Mary the Virgin in Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire.
Welcome to the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. The people of Congo have faced war, famine, and disease, yet continue to build their country with hope and determination. Eastern Congo Initiative is proud to show students the awe-inspiring beauty and resilient spirit of this deserving nation.
With its four official languages – Swiss German, French, Italian, and Romansch – Switzerland offers its visitors a variety of landscapes, activities, cuisines and cultures. Now you can discover the best of Switzerland with Google.
Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, also known as La Villita, is the largest Mexican American community in the Midwest. The neighborhood is a hub for the arts, cuisine and retail and has become a tourist destination for Mexican Americans. Little Village's 26th street is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city, second only to downtown Michigan Avenue in yearly revenue.
The ancient Maya civilisation flourished in Mesoamerica, in what is now Guatemala, Belize, southern Mexico, and northern Honduras. Archaeologists have found small Maya villages dating back to before 2000BC. But the Maya are most famous for the large cities and the art and writing they produced during the so-called ‘Classic Period’ from AD250 to AD950. Maya cities contained large buildings, including pyramids and palaces, as well as plazas where markets were installed and ceremonies took place. After the Classic period, at around AD1000, many cities were abandoned and eventually became overgrown with jungle. Quiriguá is an archaeological site where one of these ancient Maya cities has been uncovered and preserved.
Public baths were a common feature in the towns and cities of ancient Rome. People visited the baths for hygienic purposes, to relax and to socialise. The Roman Baths in Bath, England, comprise several buildings surrounding a hot spring, including the Bath House itself, the Temple of Sulis Minerva, and a museum. The museum’s collection, drawn from the site and the surrounding town of Aquae Sulis (the Roman name for Bath), gives visitors a glimpse into the crafts, trade, religion, family life and building practices of Roman Britain.
Prior to the domestication of plants and animals, people lived a nomadic existence in hunter-gatherer societies. While First World countries now benefit from the mechanization of agriculture, water resource management, scientific research producing high-yield seeds and weather modifications such as cloud seeding, Third World countries - using this farm in Tanzania as an example - continue to farm in much the same way as their forefathers. Join Tanzanian farmers on their journey from farm to market.
Every year on the 8th December, the city of Lyon is bathed in light. All the monuments and iconic areas of the city are taken over by light shows. The Fête des Lumières, or festival of lights, began in 1643 when a plague spread through the south of France. Lyon’s municipal councillors and public figures promised to pay homage to the Virgin Mary should the city be spared from the plague, which it was. On the 8th December 1852 they unveiled a statue in her honour. Every year since then the people of Lyon have placed ‘lumignons’ (candles in glass holders) on their window sills.
For this tour, we are going to some fantastic celebrations. We will travel across almost every single nation. Each festival has traditions that people hold dear, They all have in common the theme of good cheer!
An overview of some of the places for which Argentina is known.
An overview of some of the major attractions in Brussels and Bruges.
An overview of some of the cities, and regions for which Peru and Bolivia are known
An overview of some of the places for which Chile is known.
An overview of some of the places for which Costa Rica is known.
An overview of some of the places for which Ecuador is known.
An overview of some of the cities and regions that showcase the historical and cultural heritage of Hispanic people who settled in the United States
Journey through some of the major attractions found in and around Paris, including the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, and the Notre-Dame de Paris. Step inside the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, learn where the Eiffel Tower got its name, and take a look around the world-famous gothic cathedral, the Notre-Dame de Paris, located in the heart of Paris.
An overview of some of the major attractions found in Martinique and Guadeloupe.
An overview of some of the cities, regions, and archeological sites for which Mexico is known.
An overview of some of the major attractions found in Morocco.
An overview of some of the places for which Panama is known.
An overview of some of the major attractions found in Paris.
An overview of some of the major attractions found in Peru and Bolivia.
An overview of some of the major attractions in the Province of Quebec, Canada.
An overview of some of the cities, and regions for which Puerto Rico is known
An overview of some of the major attractions found in Senegal.
An overview of some of the major attractions found in Central and Southwestern France.
An overview of some of the major attractions found in and around the Southeast of France and Monaco.
An overview of some of the cities, and regions for which Spain is known.
Brief description of Expedition: An overview of some of the major attractions in the French-speaking areas of Switzerland.
An overview of some of the places for which the Dominican Republic is known.
An overview of some of the places for which Uruguay is known
An overview of some of the major attractions found in Western France.
As the royal residence and the center of national politics and diplomacy, palaces occupied the prominent position in the capital. The Joseon dynasty decided the location of the capital and the site of the palaces based on Confucian theology and geomancy. Joseon’s capital Hanyang, now Seoul, was bordered by four mountains, Baekaksan, Mokmyeoksan, Taraksan, and Inwangsan. Gyeongbokgung Palace was situated beneath Mt. Baekaksan as a headquarter and other palaces were later constructed allowing kings to occupy different ones upon necessity.
This Expedition takes us to the Irish Linen Centre in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, where we’ll trace the history of linen from flax to fabric and explore the production of Irish linen from cottage industry to industrialisation. You’ll see some ancient Egyptian linen, learn how flax is spun into yarn, and get a close look at a traditional spinning wheel and a variety of looms.
Head into Montepelier and see Mr. Madisons rooms, along with the busts and paintings of his contemporaries, those who built a framework for the United States of America.
This exhibition, shows the year-long process of farming with artifacts and increases understanding of agricultural society with explanations of the artifacts and information on seasonal agricultural customs.
Take a trip back in time to the location of the Allies' ill-fated amphibious assault on the beaches of the ancient Ottoman Empire.
Visit the great Gothic churches and monasteries of England, dating back nearly one thousand years, to the time of William the Conqueror through to the 15th century.
The Gothic style dominated architecture for centuries. Parts of the Basilica of Saint Denis (the traditional burial site of the French monarchs), are considered the first examples this new style. Abbot Suger, head of the church in the early 1100s, began rebuilding the earlier church that was here, and introduced features that would become standard in Gothic architecture. For Suger it was critical to open the walls to windows, since for him, light was as an expression of the divine.
This expedition will take you to Athens, Greece, to see some ancient ruins you have probably heard of. You’ll also travel to two other locations in Greece with which you’re less likely to be familiar. One is the site of an enormous volcanic eruption and the other has been home to monks for over 500 years.
Everybody loves coffee. But do you know where it comes from? The answer is more complicated – and fascinating – than you could ever imagine! In this Expedition, we will travel to the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa to learn how Congolese coffee farmers produce coffee. With the help of the Eastern Congo Initiative – an organization that works to assist farmers in Congo and helps to bring their products to the world – we will meet the hardworking people behind the Congolese coffee boom.
In May 2013 the Polynesian Voyaging canoe, Hōkūle‘a, began a Worldwide Voyage, carrying the message of global connectedness, sustainability, and a hopeful future for a healthy ocean and planet. The voyage began from Hōkūle‘a’s home island of Oahu. Sailing using traditional methods of navigation she launched from Hawaii island to Tahiti, the home of her ancestors, and returned to the beach that was given her name in Papeʻete. Hōkūleʻa traditional Polynesian wayfinding, to navigate without the use of modern instruments.
Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike revere Jerusalem, Israel's capitol and one of the world's oldest cities. For thousands of years, Jerusalem, which contains hundreds of major holy sites, has been a destination of sacred pilgrimage for millions of people from around the world. Paradoxically, this hallowed city has also been a focal point for war and political and social unrest. Join this Expedition to take in some of modern-day Jerusalem’s atmosphere and some of the history laid down in its ancient and sacred structures.
An inside look at the native people in the Southwest, including the Pueblo, Hopi, O’odham, Pai, and Apache people. During this expedition, you’ll learn about traditional clothing and homes, the importance of art (i.e. pottery and basketry), and how location influences the everyday lives of the native people in the Southwest.
Hong Kong is one of the biggest, busiest, most ambitious cities in the world. It started as a relatively sleepy collection of villages among the harbors and islands of the Pearl River Delta on the South China Sea. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, global politics made Hong Kong one of the biggest trading ports in the world. Today, Hong Kong is a center of commerce between Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Despite its huge population density, it also has one of the highest standards of living on Earth. Hong Kong continues to change along with the globalism of the 21st century.
How does Congolese coffee travel from the trees of a Coffee farm to your breakfast table? Today we will visit CoffeeLac – a coffee processing factory in Goma, in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We will learn how coffee beans are processed and prepared to be sold. With the help of Eastern Congo Initiative – an Non profit organizati that works with farmers to help them bring their coffee to market – we will examine the business of coffee in Congo and tour a coffee processing mill.
The most sparsely populated country in Europe, Iceland sits at the junction of the Northern Atlantic and the Arctic Oceans, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from its nearest neighbor, Greenland. The island that is Iceland remains geologically and volcanically active. It is located on both the Iceland Hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates meet, making for dramatic geography and the somewhat unpredictable nature of its land and waters. Iceland’s 4,970-kilometer (3,088 mile) coastline is punctuated by many fjords. Most of the country’s people live along the coast. The interior of the island is a cold and uninhabitable combination of lava fields, mountains, and sand. You will not believe your eyes sometimes, for Iceland offers sights unlike anywhere else on the planet.
The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. From the founding of the republic, to the construction of some of its most iconic landmarks, to celebrations as varied as V-J Day and the modern holiday season, New York City can be seen as an endless collection of iconic moments. Join this Expedition through time and the seasons to explore one of the most iconic cities on Earth.
Chocolate, our favourite treat, begins its journey as something quite different. Raw ingredients must be carefully combined to create the experience of chocolate we’re familiar with. Humans have been using chocolate for almost 4000 years. Beginning in Central America, the beans of the cacao plant were fermented and used as part of religious ceremonies. After the Spanish conquests in South America, beans were taken to Europe and mixed with new ingredients. Slowly, chocolate evolved to its current form.
The first steelworks was set up in Völklingen in 1873. The Röchling family bought it in 1881 and founded the Völklingen Ironworks. By 1903, pig iron was being smelted in six blast furnaces and processed to steel. The mid 1960s saw over 17,000 people working at the ironworks. The steel crisis of the 1970s, however, led to the closure of the blast furnace works. In 1994, UNESCO declared the disused ironworks a World Cultural Heritage Site. It is the only so well-preserved ironworks in this size.
Welcome to the Irish National Heritage Park in County Wexford, Ireland. This outdoor museum is a great place to learn about Ireland’s past landscapes, peoples, and cultural history.
Perhaps no city on Earth showcases more Western history than Istanbul. Stretching across the Bosporus, the narrow channel that divides Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been a trade crossroads, a military strongpoint, a religious melting pot, and a seat of empires for thousands of years. During Greek times, it was known as Byzantium. The Roman empire claimed it until 395, when the empire split in two and the emperor Constantine declared it his eastern capital, renaming it Constantinople. The eastern Roman, or Byzantine, empire lasted until 1453. Then, Muslim Ottomans captured the city and made it the capital of a rich empire that lasted until 1923, when Turks formed the modern republic. The city’s architecture reflects its history as a place of wealth, culture, learning, and constant change.
Established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan in northern India. Rajasthan became an official British colony in 1858, and remained under British rule until 1947. Jaipur became known as “The Pink City” when, in 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had most of the buildings painted pink—the color of hospitality—in preparation for a visit by Britain’s Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. Today, the city is known for its bazaars, forts, temples, and palaces, and its wildlife sanctuaries. In this Expedition, we’ll explore some of the city’s landmarks and see first-hand how religion, culture, and science overlapped to influence the city’s development.
Experience the legendary Jeju Island, so isolated from mainland Korea that it has developed its own unique culture and language.
Karnak Temple is located on the east bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. Construction began on this temple over 4,000 years ago and went on for over 2,000 years. Covering over 100 hectares, Karnak is among the largest religious sites in the world. Just across the Nile River from Karnak Temple lies the Valley of the Kings. As the name suggests, several royal tombs are located within the valley, including the Tomb of Ramesses II.
Put on some light clothes and get ready for a boat ride through the backwaters of Kerala, a coastal state in South India. Bordered by the Arabian Sea to the West and mountain ranges to the East, Kerala has unique geographical features. Key amongst these is the Kerala backwaters, a water network of interconnected canals, rivers, inlets and lakes fed by more than 40 rivers! This beautiful world of water stretches along almost half the length of Kerala, and is an integral part of the life of its people. Let’s row through this waterworld to find out more!
Pack your warm clothes and get ready to explore the town of Leh and its surrounding regions. We are now at an altitude of approximately 3,250 metres in the Northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Enclosed by mountains, this town of Leh was once the capital of the Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh. Buddhism is an ancient Asian spiritual tradition dating back to the 6th century BC. Here in Ladakh, it remains the majority religion till date ,. This is why the landscape we will move through is dotted with Buddhist monasteries and prayer flags.
Ever since the United States incorporated Texas, the Southwest and California, Latin culture has been a big part of its identity. Immigration, especially from the Hispanic Caribbean, further enriched this Latin flavour during the 20th century. Today, Latin food, music, visual art, television, and sports add colour to American culture everywhere. Latin culture flourishes especially in Latino and Hispanic neighborhoods—some new immigrant enclaves, some long-established communities of people who have lived in the United States for generations.
The Loch Ness monster is possibly the world’s best known cryptid — an animal that has yet to be proven to exist. For centuries tales of a large beast living in Scotland’s Loch Ness has been passed down and retold. The tale of the monster may have just remained an obscure folklore from a small town, however in 1934 a photograph was released claiming to show the beast in all of its glory. The photograph was published around the world and the hunt for Nessie began in earnest.
Located along Florida’s southwest coast, Lovers Key State Park stretches 648 hectares (1,600 acres) across Long Key, Black Island, Inner Key, and, yes, Lovers Key. Taking their name from “cayo,” a word early Spanish explorers used, keys are low-lying barrier islands. Those same Spanish explorers would recognize few of Florida’s ecosystems today. But at Lovers Key State Park, the remote beach and mangrove trees, along with birds like roseate spoonbills and bald eagles, would all look very familiar. Let’s go exploring.
On this Expedition, you’ll explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, built by the Incas in the 15th century and a major Peruvian tourist attraction today. Pay special attention to the ways in which the builders at this one-time royal retreat reflected the surrounding natural forms in their structures.
Take a closer look at Machu Picchu, what is now the most visited tourist destination in Peru. When the Spanish conquered the Inka Empire they never found the royal estate of Machu Picchu. The naturally fortified city high in the Andes contains royal residences, temples, plazas, homes, and workshops. Machu Picchu was likely abandoned soon after the Spanish arrived. It was largely forgotten until Hiram Bingham from Yale University, relying on the knowledge of local inhabitants, located the city and brought it to the world’s attention.
Get ready to take a walk through rolling green hills where the famous Darjeeling tea is grown. One of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, tea is made by mixing the leaves of the tea plant with boiling water. The tea grown in the Darjeeling Hills of the Eastern Himalayas in India is especially famous. These hills have unique agro-climatic conditions required for the production of tea. They are situated right next to fertile plains, and the sudden rise in altitude between the plains and the hills causes heavy rainfall, which is ideal for tea growth.
Mexico City, located in the Valley of Mexico at the center of the country, is the economic, historic, and cultural heart of the nation. The city was founded in 1521 and won its independence in 1821, but that’s not all there is to the city’s history. Prior to Spanish colonialization in the early 16th century, several ancient cultures, including the Aztecs, thrived in the area. Today, ancient ruins can be found side by side with colonial and modern-day structures. In this Expedition, we’ll explore some of the sites in Mexico’s capital city that best reflect the city’s art, culture, history, and architecture.
Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday that is celebrated throughout Mexico, where it began. From October 31 (Halloween, or All Hallow’s Eve, in many countries) through November 2, families honor the role of death in life and connect with those who have died, both loved ones and famous figures. Far from being a sad occasion, Dia de Muertos is colorful, humorous, and joyful. The holiday reaches back to Mexico’s pre-Columbian history, and has spread internationally through modern pop culture.
The antipathy toward Fidel Castro and his nearly 50-year hold on power in Cuba has cooled in South Florida over time. What a contrast from years past, when sentiments toward Castro and his brother Raul dominated politics in the region’s exile community. But as a younger generation comes of voting age and the hardliners soften their stance on Washington’s relations with Havana, the community is experiencing dramatic changes that are reshaping South Florida and its political and cultural life. Perhaps the biggest sign of things to come: Castro’s death, at 90, on Nov. 25, which was met with a mix of joy and sorrow.
The Mortuary Temple of Rameses III (often called Habu Temple) stands in the village of Medinet Habu on the west bank of the Nile. To the east across the river is the city of Luxor, and to the west is the famed Valley of the Kings. Rameses III ruled from 1186–1155 BC as the second Pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty. His reign was marked by turmoil brought about by an almost constant need to fight off foreign invaders.
On this expedition, we’ll walk the streets of Moscow, on the Moskva River in western Russia. With a population of about 12 million people, the city is very much alive today, but its squares and building also serve as a kind of museum of the city’s rich history.
The Mughal Empire was founded in 1526 in northern India and lasted until 1857. By the 1600s and 1700s, the empire controlled most of the Indian subcontinent and was known for its blend of Turkish, Persian, Islamic, and Hindu cultures. The Mughals left a rich cultural heritage, particularly in poetry and architecture. The empire reached a golden age in architecture during the reign of Shah Jahan (1628–1658). On this expedition, you will learn about the Mughal Empire by visiting 2 famous buildings built during Shah Jahan’s reign—the Jama Masjid mosque and the Taj Mahal.
Join this Expedition to explore the barren reaches of the Namib Desert in Namibia, Africa. This strangely beautiful landscape is ruled by sun, wind, and water—though you won’t find much of the latter on this trek!
Before 1492, a great variety of Native American cultures existed in North America. These diverse cultures inhabited and adapted to very diverse environments. On this expedition, you will learn about two distinct Native American cultures. First, you will go to Crow Fair to learn about Plains Indians culture and go inside a teepee. Then you will travel to the Everglades to learn about the Florida Seminoles and their traditional type of house, the chickee.
Every year since 1947, the city of Oslo, Norway have given a special gift to London, England—a Christmas Tree. The gift is a mark of Norway’s gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II. It is erected in Trafalgar Square and lit in a ceremony that starts the capital’s countdown to Christmas day. Join the crowd to observe the annual handover and take part in the festivities.
Founded by brother and sister Ahmed and Reem Rahim, Numi Organic Tea has been in business since 1999. The majority of Numi ingredients come from five different countries—China, India, Egypt, South Africa, and Madagascar—and all Numi teas are 100% organic. Numi’s tea growers are paid a fair wage plus an extra premium which they decide how to invest back into their community. In this Expedition, we’ll visit one of Numi’s tea partners in China and explore the idea of fair trade.
Put on your comfortable walking shoes and get ready to explore the busy lanes of Old Delhi, a medieval walled city built in the Mughal era. The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty of Turkic-Mongol origin that ruled most of present-day northern India from the early 16th to the mid-18th century. Shah Jahan, who ruled this great empire from 1628-58, built this walled city to serve as its capital. Originally named Shahjahanabad after him, this thriving area is now called Old Delhi to distinguish it from its neighbour New Delhi, the capital of India. There is much to see and discover here, so let’s get going!
Explore some of the oldest places of faith in the world. In this Expedition, you'll travel to the Old City of Jerusalem, inside Catacombs in Rome, to Borobudur, Indonesia and to the Taj Mahal.
“Porto Maravilha,” or “Marvelous Port,” is the home of a $2.5 billion redevelopment project in Rio de Janeiro’s historic port district that many hope will join the city’s most popular tourist destinations, such as Sugarloaf mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue. But just as there are plenty of people who welcome the new project, there are others who fear displacement. Explore the pros and cons of urban planning and gentrification as seen through the lens of this ambitious redevelopment project.
Get a real feel for a ritualistic pow wow in a reservation in Montana. Look at the outfits and practices and experience a culture in a way even a field trip couldn't facilitate.
The word “prehistory” refers to the long period of time before the development of writing, a period that began about 5,000 years ago. To study prehistory, scholars must be detectives, searching for and interpreting clues to piece together the story of the distant past. They study fossils, artifacts, ancient and modern DNA, and other evidence to understand where humanity began, how it developed, and when people settled the world. On this expedition, you will learn about humanity’s origins in Africa and migration to other parts of the world, visit a re-created Mesolithic campsite, explore a re-created Neolithic settlement, and see the Callanish Stones, a Neolithic monument in Scotland.
The quickest way to get around London is no doubt the tube, London’s version of the subway. Queen Olympic Park has some of the best transport links in London - it has nine tubes and rail links to Stratford station. Stratford's rail station was very important for getting people to and from the London Olympics.
You have arrived at Quiahuiztlan on Mexico’s gulf coast. This ancient city of the Totonac people was a key site for controlling trade in ancient Mesoamerica. Like many cities in the area, Quiahuiztlan fell under the control of the Aztec empire in the 15th century. Its people paid taxes or tributes to the Aztecs, and were often ordered to serve as their soldiers. However, when Spanish explorers landed at nearby Veracruz, the tables turned. The Totonac people allied with the Spanish against the Aztec, throwing off their former rulers. Today, the city is a well-preserved but little-known and seldom visited archaeological site that helps us understand both Totonac and Aztec culture.
Follow iconic motorcycle manufacturer Triumph as its incredible management team allow us behind the scenes at the star-studded, multimillion-pound launch of an astonishing new motorcycle: the Bonnevile Bobber.
Travel through time at Rhyd-y-car miner’s cottages. Visit six homes along a terrace and explore how their rooms, furniture and objects change from 1805 to 1985. If you enjoy the tour, come to St Fagans National Museum of History and visit the real thing.
Take a aerial tour of two of the most popular cities in Brazil.
Take a trip to the Roald Dahl Museum, where you’ll explore precious mementoes from his life. You’ll also get to check out a replica of his writing hut, where some of his most famous stories were written.
Robin Hood was a famous crusader for justice who lived in medieval Nottinghamshire, England. Nobody knows for sure if he existed, but it seems that he might have done! The legend is set in the period of the third crusade, around AD 1190, during which time Richard I was fighting. His brother, “Bad” Prince John, named because of his cruel and self-motivated ways, oppressed the people of England. Robin fought against this oppression by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
Travel back in time to learn more about the Romans and Barbarians. You’ll explore their communities, histories and territories.
In many parts of the world, Russia is known for its powerful Soviet history and the past glories of the USSR (1922-1991). But what is Russia like today? This expedition briefly explores modern day Moscow and Siberia, the day to day lives of Russians, and the remnants of a Soviet past
St Paul’s Cathedral in London is one of the most famous Christian places of worship in the world. It has become a central symbol for the Church of England and of London and the United Kingdom itself. Its architecture and decoration display a wealth of Christian symbolism and art. As an active place of worship, it serves as the site of British state services of celebration and remembrance, national prayers, and concerts of sacred music, along with regular services for the public.
Join us as we explain Santa...using science!
Superpowers - we have all dreamt of having them. Soaring among the birds, sneaking up on the enemy while wearing a cloak of invisibility….sounds like great fun, right? Let’s use science to explore how these superpowers would work in real life, meet some actual animal superheroes and take a look at what technology has been developed that puts us on the first step to becoming truly super.
Shanghai, China is both ancient and modern. Its history spans over a thousand years. By 2014, it was the most populous city on Earth. Built on the mouth of the Yangtze River, which links China’s vast interior to the sea, Shanghai is an international center for trade, finance, and tourism, and a symbol of China’s rapid modernization. Shanghai is both towering and sprawling, and its cityscapes showcase its history as both a center of Chinese tradition and a hub of international trade.
To enter the main building of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you must cross the grand open courtyard. As you make your way across, you’ll pass arcades with open archways based on traditional Moorish design. The arcades surround the courtyard and connect the towering Arab minarets that stand at each corner of the structure. Looking up, you’ll notice numerous white domes rising from all sides of the building. Looking down, you’ll see one of the world’s largest marble mosaic floors.
In the 1970s, land reclamation was carried out at Marina Bay, forming a freshwater bay. In the reclamation process, some roads were removed from the map by reclaiming land and the Singapore River's mouth was directed into the bay instead of directly into the sea. In 2008, Marina Barrage was built, converting the basin into a new downtown freshwater Marina Reservoir, providing water supply, flood control and a new lifestyle attraction.
The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.When following the western side of the African coastline from the equator, the Cape of Good Hope marks the point where a ship begins to travel more eastward than southward.
The Hindu religion may have roots in the traditions of the Indus valley civilization, which flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. Hinduism is thus thought by many scholars to be the most ancient of the world religions practiced today. There are now nearly 1 billion Hindus in the world, and a majority of them live in India—about 80 percent of the population of India is Hindu. On this Expedition, we’ll visit Swaminarayan Akshardham . Located in New Delhi, India, it is the largest Hindu temple in the world.
You have arrived at El Tajín, the capital of the Totonac people during the classical era—the time before European arrival in the Americas—in Mesoamerica and one of the most important cities of its time. The site lies on the Gulf Coast of central Mexico. In its heyday, it sat at a strategic spot on or near multiple trade routes. The city was probably founded around the year 800 and thrived until the 1200s, lasting long after several other Mesoamerican cities of the same era had declined. The abandoned city was lost to the jungle until a Mexican official named Diego Ruiz stumbled upon its most spectacular ruin, the Pyramid of the Niches.
Welcome to Camden Yards! "The Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball” was introduced in 1992 and it started a Major League Baseball tradition as the first modern facility to be a baseball-only venue incorporated into downtown architecture. Most others followed that trend, replacing the old, multipurpose stadiums and their huge parking lots. Orioles tradition and family atmosphere are everywhere you look in a place that is a way of life for millions of guest each year. Join us as we take a look around!
Teotihuacan, 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, flourished as one of the largest ancient American cities from the 1st to the 7th centuries A.D. In its time, it was the most important cultural, religious, and trading center of Mesoamerica. Preceding the rise of the Aztecs by more than 1,000 years, the Teotihuacan civilization was a melting pot of Maya, Miztec, and Zapotec peoples. It exerted great cultural influence throughout central Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, and as far south as modern-day Guatemala. In around 650 A.D., an unknown event brought an end to the civilization at Teotihuacan. Excavation of the city’s ruins began in 1884 and continues today. Join this Expedition to explore pyramids and temples that archaeologists believe to be the finest examples of their kind.
Elephants have long been held up as national icons in Thailand, playing an integral part in the country’s history. Kings here once rode them into battle, and the pachyderms once thrived in Thailand’s lush forests. Today, their survival is under threat. Elephant populations have dropped precipitously, from an estimated 100,000 a century ago to as few as 4,000. These threats stem from loss of habitat to a demand for ivory. This expedition explores how Thailand’s pachyderms survive.
The ancient city of Yangzhou, on the Yangtze River upstream from Shanghai, is a gem of Chinese culture. The city began as a thriving trade town. Its wealth attracted the best Chinese artists, poets, and scholars. Wealthy families created beautiful sanctuaries that displayed the best of Chinese gardening, architecture, art, and poetry. Today, Yangzhou’s many museums and public gardens offer visitors a glimpse at the peak of Chinese civilization from many centuries and dynasties.
The expedition leads through the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus collection in Berlin – one of the largest of its kind in the world. It gives an insight into the ancient Egyptian cult of the dead and the ancient Egyptian idea of life after death with the example of exhibits such as mummies, coffins, death masks and decorated burial chambers.
The Falkirk Wheel, located in Scotland, is the only rotating boatlift in the world. Constructed in 2002, it connected the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals for the first time in 70 years, providing a continuous waterway between Scotland’s two biggest cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Canals have historically played a vital role in transporting people and goods, especially during the Industrial Revolution when canal boats were the most efficient mode of transport available.
Visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Florida’s Big Cypress Indian Reservation to learn about Seminole history and traditions. The Seminoles are a Native American tribe whose members live in Florida and Oklahoma. Go inside the museum, explore the Everglades in a cypress canoe, and stop by the living village to learn about Seminole art, history, and culture.
All throughout history, people have built defensive walls. There are ruins, some reconstructed, of ancient massive wall-building projects all over the world. There are Roman walls in Italy, Spain, England, and Germany. In the Philippines, the 16th century Spanish colonial government built the city of Manila and completely surrounded it with a wall. The Long Wall of Quảng Ngãi in Vietnam extends for 127.4-kilometers (79.2 miles) and includes 115 forts. And then there is the Great Wall of China. All around the globe, this truly monumental wall is one of the first things people think of when they hear “China.” On this Expedition, we’ll hike parts of the Great Wall and learn about its history and builders.
Discover what life is like for the Hadzabe tribe of Lake Eyasi. This tribe, located in Tanzania are among the last of the hunters-and-gatherers in the world.
This Expedition will take you over a wide swath of Ethiopia in eastern central Africa. You’ll visit a number of indigenous groups, including the Afar and the nomadic Tigrayans, the Hamar, and the Mursi. Each of these groups leads a distinct way of life, and all of them are tied closely to the land.
Off the west coast of Scotland you’ll find a chain of islands called the Outer Hebrides. Lewis and Harris are the biggest of those islands. Technically just 1 landmass, they are distinguished into 2 territories. The more mountainous Harris is to the south, while the flatter, more fertile Lewis is to the north. This area is known for its stunning landscape, sweeping coastlines, turbulent weather, and a long tradition of exceptional woven cloth called Harris Tweed.
Learn all about the Khumbu Society through this tour of northeastern Nepal on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest. The Khumbu's elevation ranges from 11,000 feet to the 29,029 foot summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.
Dayr al-Bahri is a complex of burial temples and tombs west of the city of Luxor, Egypt. The site is dominated by the mortuary temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, who was born circa 1508 B.C. and reigned during Egypt’s New Kingdom. The temple is built into towering cliffs sacred to the goddess Hathor. With its finely measured proportions, sweeping ramps, broad terraces, carved reliefs, and statuary, it is considered one of the most beautiful temples in all of Egypt.
On this Expedition to The National Library of Wales, we’ll tour the Library building and learn about various aspect of the Library’s work, including document conservation and digitisation. The tour will also showcase some of the Library’s varied and unique collections.
Explore the National Mall in Washington, D.C., home to monuments that honor America’s heroes and history. The National Mall provides a grand public setting for government buildings, national memorials, and museums. It’s also important as a national stage where Americans gather to celebrate the country’s history and have their voices heard. Go inside the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, look up at the Washington Monument, see the United States Capitol, and visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Three districts that make up the Old Lyon neighborhood were built mostly during the Renaissance. Saint-Paul to the North was home to the bourgeoisie, the financial and business centre of the district. Saint-Jean in the center was home to the clergy and aristocracy. Saint-Georges in the South was home to artisans and tradesmen. Old Lyon became the first site in France to be protected by law in 1964, and it is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage site created in Lyon in 1998.
Get this authentic experience by touring a real native American Teepee. Billings, Montana is the largest city in the State of Montana, and is the principal city of the Billings Metropolitan Area.
In the late 700s and early 800s, a group of people from northern Europe known as the Vikings burst onto the stage of history. In long, shallow-draft ships, powered by oars and a single, square sail, the Vikings swept across Europe. Although the Vikings are now remembered as vicious invaders, they were also accomplished traders who lived in a complex society with a rich cultural history. On this expedition, you will learn about the Vikings by exploring re-enactments of Viking history. You will see a Viking raid and learn about Viking trade, go inside a Viking longhouse and a great hall, and explore a Viking settlement.
Explore Tobacco Farming in Lancaster County, PA.
Experience one of Europe's cultural hubs: a mixmash of music, romance, Catalan pride, and of course, football.
Dive into the spiritual capital of India and get lost among the thousands of revelers in one of the most colorful and enigmatic cities on the planet: Varanasi.
Drift down the canals of the capital of Northern Italy's Veneto region and stop on one of the 100 islands that comprise this floating city.
Welcome to Jorforsby (pronounced Yor-fors-bee). It is AD 910 and you have been invited to visit Jorfor’s incredible Viking mead hall. Jorfor is the leader’s name, which means wild boar, and “by” is the word for a Norse-Danish village or settlement. That’s why they call this place Jorforsby. Any place in England whose name ends in “-by” probably has Viking origins. This village is built close to the great Viking city of Jorvik, known today as York.
This Expedition reveals the beauties of the Western Cape in South Africa, from dramatic coastlines to iconic Table Mountain.
For centuries, religion has been one of the most significant influences on how people live, behave, and interact with others. On this expedition, you will explore 6 of the world’s major religions—Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—by visiting some of their sacred sites.
Castles are fortified structures built in order to defend an area or region. The original castles were built from wood in the 9th and 10th centuries, however, by the 1000s, they began to be built from stone. Although castles vary in size and structure, most have the same basic features such as a keep, curtain wall and a moat.
Catholic relics are the physical remains of saints or other holy persons as well as objects they owned or touched. Relics are usually kept in churches or shrines and regarded with great care and respect. In this lesson, we’ll examine some of the most famous Catholic relics.
Beginning in around 3100 B.C., Egypt became the largest, richest, and most powerful civilization in the Mediterranean world, a position it held for almost 3,000 years. In this lesson, you’ll get a close look at some of the hallmarks of that early Egyptian world.
Accompagnez nos éleveurs pendant qu’ils effectuent leurs tâches d’après-midi.
Working at Taronga Zoo is more than just a job. Taronga’s talented employees connect guests with animals, highlight the need for conservation on a local and global scale and inspire them to act for the wild! Come behind the scenes at Taronga Zoo Sydney to discover the exciting range of career paths which all contribute to securing a shared future for wildlife and people.
4-H is the nation’s largest youth organization and has been around for over 100 years! 4-H has grown politicians, -- including a United States President and 2 Vice Presidents -- Nobel Prize winners, Hall of Fame athletes, and icons in music, art, entertainment and technology. The skills that 4-H’ers learn benefit them for the rest of their lives in the workforce and beyond. Check out some projects that 4-H’ers have developed to better their communities, while learning life skills in the process.
Major League Baseball teams play throughout most of the calendar year, and Jamal Collier’s job is to follow them from start to finish and keep his readers in the know. He is a baseball beat reporter, assigned to cover the Washington Nationals for MLB.com and Nationals.com. That means he covers baseball games from the start of Spring Training in March through the 162-game regular season schedule and then possibly a postseason that could go to November. And in the offseason, it means writing about player trades and free agent signings and more. It is a busy job with a lot of deadlines, but it also has its perks: You watch a ton of baseball, you get to share what you know with many others as a journalist, and you get to see the world. Thanks to Jamal for letting us follow him around on the beat so we can show you the life of a baseball beat reporter in case you are interested in a career like that. Let’s take a closer look!
Burnley FC is a business like any other. The football players may be the public face of the club, but all members of the organisation work together to make the club one of the most profitable in Europe. There are many people in a wide variety of roles busy behind the scenes to ensure the fans are happy, the team is winning and the money keeps coming in.
A day in the life of an airplane pilot.
On this Careers with Code Expedition, animator and director Sue Perrotto blends computer science and art to bring the characters of Disney’s Miles from Tomorrowland to life. The popular animation series takes children on a journey through the universe that fuels their natural interest in space and builds their excitement about science. Before joining Wild Canary Animation Studio, Sue worked on shows like Disney’s Phineas and Ferb, MTV’S Celebrity Deathmatch and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy. Miles from Tomorrowland is a Disney Junior show produced by Wild Canary Animation Studio. Sue has also been featured in Careers with Code magazine.
A day in the life of an aquarist.
Experience a day in the life of a Biomedical Scientist with Audrey Thwaits at Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS)
Meat production can harm the environment, using up a lot of land and water resources and creating climate-warming emissions – with beef much worse overall than pork or chicken. One way that some farmers offset these impacts is by sustainable farming – this uses local abattoirs and sells its meat locally. That’s exactly what the farmers here on the Chatsworth Estate do. Let’s take a look at their work.
A day in the life of a chef and restaurant owner.
A day in the life of a civil engineer.
A day in the life of a modern day entrepreneur and coder.
Experience a day in the life of a Community Ranger in England’s forests.
Crime reporter Stacey Mullen works for the Herald and Times Group. They publish several newspapers, including “The Herald” and “The Evening Times”, and are based in Glasgow. With over 2 million readers per month, they must accurately report the news, and react to unfolding events. When a story breaks, Stacey has to be in the right place at the right time. She begins most days out in the field, gathering information and meeting potential sources.
A day in the life of a dean in a higher educational organization.
What can we learn from venomous marine snails? Join Dr. Mandë Holford as she discusses how scientists discover new things from extreme creatures of nature!
Humankind makes a major impact on the environment. From housing to roads, power stations to waste treatment, the vast majority of modern facilities impede on habitats and wildlife. That’s why there are legal regulations in place requiring assessments to be made that help minimise the impact a development may have. Much of this work is carried out by ecologists, like the ones who work for MacArthur Green in Scotland.
Meet Tom James, graduate civil/structural engineer at Laing O’Rourke – a multinational construction company responsible for designing and building new railway lines and stations, shopping centres, power stations, airport terminals and many other types of building. As a graduate engineer, Tom works on building projects while receiving training and professional development opportunities. Every year, Laing O’Rourke trains more than 250 people to become civil engineers.
A day in the life of a handmade goods designer.
Taking in the scenery is park ranger David Switzer. He works for the Lake District National Park, which occupies 2362 square kilometres of hills and lakes in north-west England. The rangers are employed by the National Park to be responsible for park upkeep and engaging with local communities, as well as helping visitors enjoy the park’s beautiful resources.
Learn about a career in teaching, by following teacher and teach first ambassador Lorenzo McLellan, in his primary school in West London.
A career option for those interested in being creative at work is working at an advertising agency. Every day we see 5,000 advertisements, whether they be signs on the streets, digital ads on social media, or TV commercials. These advertisements are often created by people who work at advertising agencies. Agencies provide their clients research and insight into their consumer base and relevant creative work including digital, product packaging, print and film to communicate a brand’s message across all media.
A day in the life of a cryo facilities manager.
A day in the life of an artist that uses metal.
A day in the life of a microbiome scientist.
At DP World London Gateway, thousands of ships per year are loaded and unloaded with goods travelling around the world. The port uses sophisticated machinery along with huge cranes and trucks to process these smoothly. Ashleigh Burgess is an apprentice maintenance technician, learning to repair and maintain these giant machines. She is able to learn practical skills on the job, but also attends a local college, where she will gain an HNC (Higher National Certificate) diploma.
A day in the life of a photographer for museum exhibits and various works.
Natalia’s job involves creating new flavour sensations at Mackie’s chocolate factory. Although this seems like fun, it’s also a great responsibility. Chocolate technologists usually have at least 5 years experience. Natalia's role is split between Abertay University and Mackie's in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme. This allows businesses and universities to share skills, and ensures that Natalia gains useful industry experience during her two-year placement.
A day in the life of a paleontologist.
A day in the life of a Central Park Ranger.
A day in the life of a pharmacist.
A life in the engineer that builds physical products.
A day in the life of a project manager, who oversees a project from conception to delivering the product to the customers.
A day in the life of a public defense attorney.
A day in the life of a radio producer.
Rob Mulholland is a sculptor and environmental artist based in Scotland. His work explores humankind’s relationship with the natural world. His Glasgow studio is where he works on smaller models for new works. Many of the sculptures he creates are very large and require meticulous planning.
A day in the life of a social worker
Meet Staff Sgt. Michaela Shelton, an American soldier and Army musician. Today, Michaela is taking her semiannual physical fitness test while on tour in Muncie, Indiana. When Michaela is not on tour, she would take her physical fitness test on Gaffney Field at Fort Meade, MD. Michaela’s parents are musicians, and she always dreamed of following in their footsteps. However, she never imagined that she could pursue her passion for singing while also serving her country. After earning her master’s degree in music performance and literature, Michaela found a job posting for U.S. Army musicians using an online job search engine. Michaela answered that posting, and now serves her country and the American people as a vocalist in the U.S. Army Field Band’s Soldiers’ Chorus.
A day in the life of a TV news anchor.
Experience a day in the life of being a Vet with Emily Jones!
A day in the life of small animal veterinarian.
Working in a robotics lab and out in the field researching how people and technology interact is all in a day’s work for Victoria Chibuogu Nneji, a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Victoria blends skills in computational science with an understanding of human factors and communities to study the design of technology for different applications – whether that’s autonomous aircraft, automated railway systems or robot tutors.
White Gold Butchers - a tour of a New York City butcher shop owned and operated by two women butchers, an uncommon thing.
When calves are born, Heather has a lot of work to do. Calves need a lot of attention and for the first two weeks of their life they are cared for in individual pens. They are then moved to larger pens where they are able to mix with other calves. Heather monitors their progress to make sure they’re growing well.
On this Careers with Code Expedition, explore how YouTube Frontend Software Engineer Angelica created her own career pathway by combining her interest in computer science & film. She graduated from University of California, Berkeley and completed film editing internships plus a Google internship before joining YouTube, where she creates, codes and tests apps across Android devices.
People are increasingly aware of the ways that what they eat affects the world they live in – in particular, how meat production can harm the environment. The farm-to-table concept was developed to offset some of these effects. In simple terms, farm-to-table produce is sold or consumed close to where it is grown, with an emphasis on sustainability and animal welfare. Let’s explore Chatsworth Estate in the Peak District in Derbyshire, England, to see how it produces high-quality beef and lamb.
On this Expedition, you’ll join me, National Geographic Explorer and mountain climber Mike Libecki, on the island of Skjoldungen, Greenland, where the mountains present just the kinds of challenges I like.. Prepare to set up not one but two camps, tempt an Arctic fox, fend off swarms of insects, and join me to climb a first ascent!
Computers communicate using their own language. Computers need to be given instructions before they can run any sort of operation, they are unable to think on their own. Computer programming is the way humans give computers instructions. As computers cannot think creatively or ‘fill in the blanks’, they follow any given instructions exactly. This means that one tiny oversight in the given instructions can cause a program to not run correctly, or at all.
Go behind the scenes of Ottiya, an international magazine and platform startup based in South Korea, with Rufina who is its Founder and Creative/Editorial Director. Explore what a co-working office looks like and how a remote-friendly company with a team and contributors from over 25 different countries functions.
Anybody can be an Everyday Lifesaver; An Everyday Lifesaver is someone who has the knowledge and skills to help someone in an emergency. The expedition covers the DRSABCD emergency response action plan and basic first aid. Having this knowledge is one way you can become an Everyday Lifesaver, while also being aware of potentially dangerous situations to prevent injuries and accidents.
At Electronic Arts we strive to give our players creativity through play. In this Expedition, you will get a glimpse in the production behind the world renown and award winning game franchise The Sims.
Explore farming in Lancaster County, PA.
Becoming a Firefighter required hard work, dedication, and rigorous training. A career in becoming a member of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) requires a wide range of knowledge and skills. Individuals interested in becoming a Firefighter are required to take written and physical exams. Afterwards, individuals that score well then attend the Fire Academy on Randall’s Island as Probationary Firefighters. Probationary Firefighters are trained in fire science and prevention, firefighting techniques and tools, handling medical emergencies, identification and handling of hazardous materials, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and fitness and conditioning. They also learn leadership and management skills. On this Expedition, we’ll be introduced to some of the active and retired female Firefighters at the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and their experience of working for the FDNY.
Women have been making invaluable contributions to science for thousands of years. Often maligned, ridiculed, ignored, and even banned from practicing, these women refused to bow to conformity, sometimes risking their lives to do so. The women below represent just a small selection of brave, defiant scholars who deserve to be recognized for their work.
Roll up your sleeves and discover what it takes to be one of the UK's most innovative chefs. Trained by legendary chef Gordon Ramsey, young Vanessa Wade has become a very influential concept chef, inventing new cakes, breads and pastries for some of the UK's biggest names. Follow her amazing 12 month process as she thinks big, takes inspiration from nature and harvests a unique ancient grain to create her own high-protein sourdough bread.
Take a look inside Mackie's Dairy Farm.
Meet the girls who are breaking social barriers and building a better future for themselves and their country – from challenging child marriage to beginning their own businesses.
Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) is a fun and interactive learning centre focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects and engaging students with hands-on experiences that make these important subjects come to life in a unique setting. Join this Expedition to explore different areas of the Centre and have a look behind the scenes.
Ever wondered what it would be like to work at Google for a day? Take an insider's look at Google's main campus, as known as then Googleplex. From workspaces to the quad, and cafes to a bowling alley, see how the employees of Google work.
The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, UK, houses the world's largest collection of functional historic computers, including the Colossus, the world’s first electronic computer, and the WITCH, the world's oldest working digital computer. Join this Expedition to follow the development of computing from the ultra-secret pioneering efforts of the 1940s through the large systems and mainframes of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and the rise of personal computing in the 1980s and beyond.
The Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) generates opportunities for farm workers and limited-resource, aspiring farmers to grow and sell crops from organic farms in Monterey County, California. They provide opportunities for low-income workers and aspiring farmers seeking a better life. The program supports the sales and training needs of beginning farmers as an essential component to their development and success as entrepreneurs. Learn more about the life of a strawberry, starting at ALBA Farms!
This expedition will follow Hayden, a volunteer lifesaver and rescue swimmer for the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service in Victoria, Australia, during a rescue mission. The expedition will show Hayden in various locations throughout the rescue; from the helicopter base, to the helicopter in mid-rescue. Through this expedition we will showcase the valuable contribution that volunteers make to society.
London College of Fashion, a college University of the Arts in London, England, offers courses and degree programs in all things fashion, from textile design to bespoke tailoring to fashion merchandising. The Cordwainers Footwear programs prepare students for careers in footwear design. In this Expedition, we’ll visit the Cordwainers Footwear site in east London to make a court shoe, or pump, and have a look at machinery used by footwear manufacturers all over the world.
Institute of Natural Sciences welcome you into their labs and offices, for you to experience the diversity of today’s natural sciences skills.
Welcome to The Show! It takes many people to broadcast a Major League Baseball game, and we will look at six specific roles around the ballpark to show the different types of individuals who all play a part in bringing the action to TV viewers. Maybe you would like to work in broadcasting, and especially for a 24/7 baseball operation like MLB Network! We’ll show you where they work during the game, how they got into this line of work and some of the cool benefits and unique challenges that come with the job. We need a lot of motivated people to do what we do every year. MLB Network is Our National Pastime, All the Time!
Many people might wonder if it is possible to match the issues that matter to them with an actual salaried job? Is trying to make the world a better place only something you can do after your work day is done? Can fighting for equality and justice for women and girls be a career? Pam Elam thinks so and has spent her life proving it.
NASA’s Modern Figures tour introduces several amazing women who are contributing to America’s space program today. This virtual tour gives viewers a three-dimensional experience in a 100,000-square-foot aircraft hangar, simulated Martian landscape, space flight operations facility, and other fascinating locations where these women work as materials scientists, launch directors, software engineers, and in other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.
Ever wonder what it takes to become a Emmy-winning studio? Walk through the offices of Nathaneil Howe Studios to learn all the different aspects of this agency.
Jumping off a cliff is not for everyone, but Rob and Abi Atkinson love it and do it for a living! Join our intrepid adventurers as they lead us on a journey to discover the life of an outdoor pursuits instructor.
WNYC Studios’ Brooke Gladstone takes students through her weekly production of On The Media, WNYC’s weekly investigation into how the media shapes our world view. Students will get a first hand look at a day in the life of a broadcast journalist and learn how to be a discerning consumer of media in their daily lives.
Apps fuel our modern world and the people who create the apps help us to live our lives. Join Locassa's inspirational creative-design team as they develop the Android version of their most successful app, iDrated.
Farm visits are by far the best way of educating people about farm animal welfare. However, they are also difficult to organise on any significant scale. Virtual reality will offer a solution to this problem by enabling children to ‘virtually’ visit a farm all without leaving the comfort of their classroom. Through the expedition, the class will learn about higher animal welfare on RSPCA Assured chicken farms, both outdoor and indoor.
The days of male-dominated diplomacy are fading. Meet Fiona Blyth, one of 42 female British diplomats working at the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York. She’s a modern day diplomat working on some of the biggest challenges in the world.
Welcome to Citi Field! We’ll take you for a look around the home of the New York Mets so you can see it the way Mets players see it and the way fans see it every spring through fall. From the Home Run Apple in center field to the dugout seats to the luxurious Porsche Grille, see why this is such an “Amazin” place to experience!
Put on your movie star shades and get exclusive access behind the scenes of TV sets from some of your favorite shows.
In this expedition students will learn all about wildlife careers, focusing on the various people who care for the weird and wonderful animals in Borneo national parks, reserves, and rehabilitation centers.
This tour will allow us to step back in time and learn about the history of women in aviation through their own life stories. Using the galleries of the Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center, we will trace the course of women and their impact on the field of aviation. The Smithsonian would like to hear your feedback on this expedition. To send feedback and to learn more about how to engage with the Smithsonian, visit https://airandspace.si.edu/expeditions.
Computer graphics are visual objects created by computers and designed to be displayed on a screen. These images are created by a range of specialized software.
Modern firefighters are trained in fire science and in efficient, effective, and safe ways to fight fires, deal with hazardous materials, and treat the injured. In this lesson, you’ll get a close look at some of the equipment they need to do their jobs.
A walk from Settle Market Place to Victoria Cave in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We climb an ancient track onto the high limestone hills above the town of Settle with panoramic views of the valley below. We pass spectacular limestone cliffs before reaching the mouth of the cave, opened up by early scientific excavations in Victorian times. We explain why the cave is a unique time capsule for understanding the Ice Age in the Yorkshire Dales and the amazing animals that lived there.
On his deathbed in 1066, the childless English king, Edward the Confessor, nominated as his successor Harold Godwinson, the leader of England’s leading noble family. However, it seems that earlier in his reign Edward had also promised the throne to his cousin, William, who ruled the Duchy of Normandy across the English Channel. When Edward died and Harold assumed the role of king, William chose to fight for the crown. At the Battle of Hastings, which took place in October 1066, Harold was defeated. William was crowned two months later, on Christmas Day, in Westminster Abbey. Later, as an act of penance for the bloodshed caused by his conquest of England, William built Battle Abbey on the site of the Battle of Hastings in East Sussex. In this Expedition, we’ll explore both the battlefield and what remains of the abbey.
An educational guide on the history of 9/11, the design of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and some of the artifacts preserved in its collection.
The destination of this expedition is the Mesozoic, 252 to 66 million years ago. We will gain insights into the living organisms during this period of our earth’s history and get to know a few representatives of the groups of animals alive at that time: Dinosaurs, pterosaurs and marine reptiles. In the end, one question remains: Have all of the dinosaurs really gone extinct?
A five billion years journey, from the very beginning of the Solar System to the radiation of Mammals and the appearance of our own species.
Located in Bristol, England, the Red Lodge is the only Tudor house in the city that has survived intact. Built in around 1580 during the reign of Elizabeth I for a wealthy gentleman, the lodge was set in the gardens of a great house and used for entertaining guests. A visit to Red Lodge—real or virtual—is a journey back to the England of the late 16th century.
Take a walk through MNCN (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales), or the National Museum of Natural History, Madrid. Explore to find 4,500 million year old fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and other ancient specimens.
This is the most complete Stegosaurus fossil skeleton ever found, missing only its left foreleg, the base of its tail, and a few other small bones. Because all of the bones in this fossil belonged to a single animal, the specimen shows better than ever before what Stegosaurus would have looked like in life, around 150 million years ago.
Set sail and discover the incredible life and stunning battleship of arguably Britain's greatest naval hero: Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. Step aboard the gangplank and discover the cannons, the apothecary and even where few were allowed: into the Admiral's personal cabin.
Americans argued and even fought over the adoption of the United States Constitution. Alexander Hamilton and the other Federalists supported the new form of government. Anti-Federalists opposed it. The sites and documents in this Expedition will immerse you in this contentious era.
Alexander Hamilton played a key role in George Washington’s Cabinet. President Washington appointed him the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. He wrote speeches for the President, helped put down a rebellion, and served as an advisor to Washington on many issues. The following featured sites and documents highlight the challenges of founding a new nation.
Alexander Hamilton was the designer of the American financial system. He established a national bank, promoted manufacturing, and paid off US debts from the American Revolution. When Hamilton retired in 1795, he left the United States with the tools to support a thriving economy. Discover the places and documents that illustrate the story of Hamilton’s creation of modern America.
Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument tells the story of over a century of activism by American women. Founded in 1916 by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, the National Woman’s Party established new methods of fighting for equality. In 1929, the NWP, with financial support of suffragist Alva Belmont, purchased the house to serve as the final headquarters and it became a second home for the hardworking members who dedicated their lives to the fight for women’s equality.
Visit the reconstructed Fort Mandan in North Dakota, where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1804–1805 as they explored the Louisiana Purchase. Lewis and Clark’s expedition, along with others, set the stage for hundreds of thousands of settlers to move into the new western territories. Step inside the fort’s walls to visit the courtyard and peek inside some of the rooms. Go inside a reconstructed Mandan earth lodge. Then visit the prairie to see a covered wagon, a chuck wagon, and learn about cattle ranching on the open range.
Goldfield is nearly halfway between Reno and Las Vegas on Highway 95 through Nevada. In 1908 it was the largest city in Nevada with more than 20,000 people. Today the population is only around 300 hearty souls. In the center of town is a magnificent stone structure completed in 1908, the County Courthouse, which is still in use. Across the street is the fire station, built in 1907.
The American Museum of Natural History is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City and is one of the largest museums in the world. The museum complex comprises 27 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library. The museum collections contain over 32 million specimens of plants, humans, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, and human cultural artifacts.
After the destruction heaped upon archaeological sites by the Islamic State group, the collections at the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad have taken on greater significance. It's now one of the only places you can find relics from the ancient cities that fell into the extremists' hands. As many as 4,000 archaeological sites are still under the domination of the Islamic State group and around 100 sites have been destroyed, according to Iraqi Culture Minister Firyad Rwandzi. The sites in their grip show the multiple civilizations that rose and fell during Iraq's long history, ranging from mosques, churches and small shrines to large sites of old cities. Fortunately, some of the artifacts from the sites in northern Iraq had been moved long ago to the National Museum.
Chatsworth House has been home to 16 generations of the Cavendish family, including the current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It sits on a raised terrace on the eastern side of the park, overlooking the River Derwent and backed by a steeply rising, well-wooded ridge to the east. Woodland is an important part of the Chatsworth estate and must be carefully managed. Not only does this contribute to Chatsworth’s income, but it also ensures a future for the native wildlife.
Egyptian civilization developed thousands of years ago along the Nile River in North Africa. Ancient Egypt was a powerful kingdom for more than 3,000 years. Its productive farmlands along the Nile River supported a large and complex government bureaucracy and allowed the Egyptians to develop a rich and sophisticated culture. On this expedition, you will go back in time to see artists’ virtual re-creations of the Nile River and ancient Egypt’s rulers, temples, pyramids, and tombs.
Ancient Greece is the birthplace of Western civilization. The accomplishments of the ancient Greeks in many fields—such as science, arts and architecture, and philosophy—resonate to this day. On this expedition, you will visit Santorini, an island in the Aegean Sea that may have inspired the legend of Atlantis. Then you will visit the Acropolis in Athens, see ancient Greek artifacts at the British Museum, and view Mount Olympus.
The Altes Museum in Berlin houses an amazing collection of ancient art. Take a walk through the Museum and explore Greek treasures from sculpture and pottery to temples.
See how the ancient Romans left their mark in England and France with arches, forts, city walls, theaters and towers.
According to legend, the city of Rome was founded in 753 BC. From a tiny village, Rome grew to be the center of a powerful republic and, in the first century AD, the world’s mightiest empire. Roman civilization lasted into the late 400s, more than 1,000 years after the city’s founding. In that long period, the Roman people made amazing advances in government, engineering, warfare, and the arts. In this expedition, you will see artists’ depictions of several ancient Roman sites and experience some of those developments firsthand.
Join us for a tour of the Ancient Wonders of Syria including: Souk al-Hamidiya in Damascus, The Citadel in Aleppo, The ancient city of Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, The Roman Theater of Bosra, and The Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque in Homs.
Angkor is a region of Cambodia that served as the seat of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from approximately the 9th to 15th centuries. The ruins of Angkor are located amid forests and farmland to the north of the Great Lake and south of the Kulen Hills, near modern-day Siem Reap city in Siem Reap Province.
The Battle of Antietam was fought on September 17th, 1862, outside the town of Sharpsburg, Maryland. It was one of the most consequential battles of the American Civil War, and to this day remains the bloodiest day in American military history, with more than 23,000 Americans killed, wounded, or missing. The battle was fought between the Union Army of the Potomac under General George B. McClellan and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee.
How did astronauts get to the moon? Join us and find out here at the Apollo/Saturn V Center!
Standing above the entrance to the River Tyne, Arbeia Roman Fort guarded the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. “Arbeia” means simply “of the Arabs”—in the 4th century, the garrison housed Iraqi boatmen. The fort was a key garrison and military supply base to other forts along the Wall and is an important part of the history of Roman Britain. In this Expedition, we’ll look at some artefacts from the fort and learn what fort life was like in those ancient times.
The Earth is 4.6 billion years old. How did scientists come up with this number? And how do we know that dinosaurs showed up 300 million years ago or that the continents have moved repeatedly since they first formed? If we look at the landscapes where we live, it is hard to imagine that around us was once a lifeless desert or that the ground we walk on was once covered in ice almost half a mile thick.
Beleef deze expeditie naar de middeleeuwen en reis mee naar Gravendam en Dorestad.
The history of architecture reaches back to the beginnings of humanity, to the simple huts of our earliest ancestors. Since then builders have grown ever more skilful, building bolder, ever larger buildings with an increasing sense of scale. In this Expedition, we’ll go back almost 3,000 years and then work our way forward in time. As we travel through time and space, we’ll analyse how human buildings in Europe changed over the centuries.
The Australian Museum holds more than 18 million objects in biological, geological and cultural collections. In this expedition, you’ll discover some of the natural science collections stores that contain many specimens of great historical and scientific value.
Hiding in the rolling landscape of Lincolnshire is the RAF’s high-security Southern Typhoon Main Operating Base (MOB), home to the latest high-tech aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon. It also has a hanger housing national treasures: a Lancaster Bomber, Spitfires, Hurricanes, Chipmunks and a Dakota.
If you’ve ever visited a museum, you’ve probably stood before an exhibit that takes your breath away. Maybe it’s diamonds or dinosaurs that dazzle you; maybe it’s termites or toucans or a toad in a jar. But have you ever wondered how these exhibits are made? Who are the people who work behind the scenes to handle the specimens, plan and build the exhibits, and present all that information? In this Expedition, you’ll go behind the curtain to learn about these museum wizards and how they work their magic.
Tower Bridge spans the part of the River Thames to the east of London known as the Pool of London. In the 19th century, the growing population in the east meant a new river crossing was needed that could open to allow ships carrying cargo to riverside warehouses through. It was this need that led to the iconic design we know today. On this Expedition, you’ll explore the exterior, interior—even the underground—areas of this historic bridge.
Capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is in Hebei Province in northern China—the name Beijing means, literally, “northern capital.” The city is steeped in history and tradition but also looks to the future, as can be seen in the city’s architecture. Great efforts have been taken to preserve large parts of ancient Beijing such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven Park. At the same time, the city’s skyline has been transformed by ultra-modern skyscrapers. In this Expedition, we’ll take a look at some of Beijing’s many landmarks, including structures old and new.
Welcome to Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas' eastern edge! We'll visit the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the Bhutan National Museum and much more!
In this expedition, students will learn about a period in history, sixty years ago, when some of the most powerful nuclear weapons ever created were detonated over the Bikini Atoll; a remote chain of islands in the crystal blue waters of the tropical Pacific. Students will join the state-of-the-art MV Alucia and her crew to discover the secrets below the waves. What remains of this paradise today? We descend into Bikini’s tropical lagoons to discover unprecedented shipwrecks. Come face to face with a historical world, and explore ‘The Ghost Fleet’
In this Expedition, we’ll travel through 1,800 years of Black British history to learn about African soldiers in Roman Cumbria; the former enslaved boy who became Samuel Johnson’s servant, friend and heir; Queen Victoria’s Black goddaughter; life after the transatlantic slave trade for freed enslaved people; and contemporary Brixton, South London. The stepping stones of our progress will be a series of BBC Black History Plaques created for the television series Black and British: A Forgotten History (BBC, 2016). For more information about the heritage and history of Black people in Britain, visit the Black Cultural Archives on the Google Arts and Culture website, where you’ll find 4 online exhibitions involving the plaques.
Blaise Castle House Museum is situated in Blaise Estate in Henbury, Bristol, England. The mansion house was built in 1796–98 for merchant and banker John Harford. The Harford family resided there for over 100 years. Today the mansion houses the museum’s collections of social and local history including domestic equipment, toys, paintings, dress and textiles. The house, and the “castle” (built in 1766 as a summer house) are of historical significance along with numerous other structures on the estate, including an orangery and dairy.
This expedition takes you through 40 million years of geology in the world-famous Dolomites. 260 million year old dinosaurs and plants come to life again. Discover the Grand Canyon of Europe, the UNESCO World Heritage GEOPARC Bletterbach.
As a girl growing up in America in the 1950s, Brenda Berkman found few opportunities to play sports, something she loved to do. She had what she calls a “click moment” when she was not allowed to join Little League Baseball: she understood then that, regardless of her abilities, she would not be allowed to do certain things just because she was a girl. Flash forward to the mid-1970’s . . . While a student at New York University Law School, Berkman began to entertain the idea of becoming a firefighter. But, as she learned, the New York City Fire Department didn’t hire women. Join this Expedition to follow Berkman and the group of women she led in the struggle to break down the barrier of gender discrimination in the FDNY.
Before European settlement, Argentina was home to indigenous people who lived in small villages and hunted and grew crops for their food. Spanish incursions into Argentina began in the 1500s, and in time, the Spanish established several large towns. Buenos Aires which was founded in 1580. By then, most of the country had come under Spanish rule. On May 25, 1810, Argentina gained its independence from Spain, and the day became known as the May Revolution. This event was so important to the Argentine people that it is remembered in monuments across the country. In this Expedition, we’ll visit several of Buenos Aires’s plazas and the historic buildings that surround them.
The iconic Brompton folding bike was invented by Andrew Ritchie in 1975. At the time, Ritchie lived in South Kensington, London, opposite the famous Brompton Oratory church, from which his bicycle took its name. Ritchie convinced 10 of his friends to invest £100 so that he could make the first prototype. Today, the Brompton factory in London produces more than 45,000 bikes per year, making it the UK’s largest bike manufacturer.
The Isle of Man’s political history is long and complex. Even in long periods during which a single country held suzerainty over the island, rule on the ground frequently changed hands. This was especially true after Scandinavian rule came to an end in the mid-13th century. For the next 70 years, rule went back and forth between the Scots and the English. Then in 1333, when King Edward III of England granted the island to William de Montacute, the period of undisputed English dominance began. Not that Montacute held the land for long: in 1392 his son sold it to Sir William le Scrope. Le Scrope was beheaded for treason in 1399, and the island went to the Crown. In 1405, Henry IV granted the land to Sir John Stanley. Thus began the reign of the Stanley dynasty as Lords of Mann that lasted well into the 18th century.
Take a tour of the European Organization for Nuclear Research and their massive underground labratory.
Almost 2,000 years ago China linked the known world together through their innovative and transformative Silk Road. Fast forward to today, the world looks very different but China is about to transform trade routes once again. China’s Economic Silk Road, also known as the Belt, is one of the most ambitious geopolitical projects ever undertaken. It is hoped that this modern Silk Road will link most of the world once again, allowing easier transport of goods across borders.
China’s One Belt, One Road initiative is the largest megaproject in human history. The entire scheme involves 68 countries and includes road, rail, and maritime projects. This Expedition will focus on the incredible maritime links included in this initiative.
A tree-lined avenue leads to the church and the monastery. The monastery is one of more than 350 that the Cistercian Order built in 12th-century Europe. Robert of Molesme had founded the order in France in 1098. The Cistercians built their monasteries in remote areas so the monks could lead pious lives in isolation and without luxuries. In the 19th century many monasteries were abolished. The new monastery became a hotel, where the poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer lived.
Centuries before European explorers first set foot in the Americas, people had developed highly successful civilizations in many parts of the region. Two of the largest civilizations developed in Mesoamerica, a large area that includes parts of modern Mexico and Central America. There, the Maya thrived on the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Aztecs created an empire in the Valley of Mexico. High in the Andes of South America, the Inca forged a huge empire linked by roadways. On this expedition, you will explore the remnants of these great civilizations. You will visit the dramatic ruins of the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá before heading to a museum in Mexico City to learn about the Aztecs’ capital city, Tenochtitlán. Finally, you will explore the famous Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.
Like stonework skies, cupola domes have for centuries crowned many majestic buildings. The word cupola comes from the Latin cupula (small barrel) and describes the hemispherical vaulting dome above a room. Domes were originally used with sublime effect for religious buildings and later for secular ones too. They have also been used for museums since the 19th century to enhance the effect of entrance halls and exhibition rooms. The Berlin Museum Island offers many magnificent domes for visitors to admire.
It’s 1940 and the Second World War is raging throughout London. You travel 50 miles north-west into the countryside and arrive at Bletchley Park, a beautiful manor house. You have no idea why you’re there. You’ll soon discover that the Nazis have created a secret communication system called the enigma code cipher that has made them almost unstoppable. You will soon become part of a beyond top-secret team that will try and crack the code, helping to win the war.
In continuous production since the late 18th century, Coldharbour Mill in Devon, England, is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK. A mill has stood on the site for centuries, and from 1797 until the 1980’s, Coldharbour Mill was part of the Fox Brothers woollen processing and weaving business. The mill still produces yarn and cloth using historic machines and, as a museum, it provides visitors with an authentic sense of the sights, sounds and smells of a working mill.
From AD 43 to AD 410, the Roman Empire ruled much of southern Britain. This Expedition will take you on a virtual journey around the Roman galleries of the Corinium Museum, which displays Roman artefacts found in and around the Roman settlement of Corinium, now Cirencester, in south central England. These artefacts build a picture of everyday life in Roman Britain. Join the tour to explore several aspects of life in Roman Corinium, including the military, homes and their decorations, mythology and religion, and the objects of everyday life.
Take a look inside the Avro Lancaster, one of the most famous British bombers of World War II.
Explore the world of the Mary Rose, a warship of the English Tudor navy of King Henry VIII that sank on July 19th 1545. It was a cutting edge carvel-built ship – planks laid side-to-side – with lidded gunports, allowing heavier guns to be carried.
The first British women were given the right to vote in 1918. This expedition takes you on a journey to some of the places where activists protested, committed acts of violence and died for the cause of women’s suffrage in Britain.
Melbourne Museum’s Dinosaur Walk features casts of dinosaur skeletons from across the world. Journey into the museum to see some fascinating dinosaurs and learn about these amazing creatures from the past. You’ll also see some dinosaurs and megafauna from Australia.
The Discovery Centre at Queensland Museum & Sciencentre provides a snapshot of the museum’s collection and research themes. With thousands of objects, animals and fossils to discover, the Discovery Centre awakens observation, stimulates curiosity and encourages inquiry. Visitors to the Discovery Centre can get up close to mammals, birds, insects, spiders, fish, reptiles, crustaceans, sponges, corals, starfish, sea urchins, parasites and more. There is also the opportunity to see live animals, have conversations with scientists and knowledgeable staff, and get hands-on with fossils, specimens and other activities to encourage visitor learning. In this Expedition, we will explore some of the animals in the Discovery Centre and focus on how their adaptations help them to survive.
During this expedition, you will learn what it takes to dive in a submersible. You will join the Nekton Mission crew as they undertake deep ocean research around the seamounts of Bermuda. The Nekton team used two submersibles, Triton 1000/2s, which transported scientists down to depths of 1,000 feet. Each submersible has a life support system which can last up to 96 hours, although the team normally spent three to five hours underwater on each dive. You will learn about some of the science and technology involved in exploring the deep, and get ready to ‘Dive! Dive! Dive!’. This Expedition delivered the XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey. To find out more visit the Nekton website at http://nektonmission.org. Further education resources and opportunities are available at http://oceans.digitalexplorer.com.
Explore a portion of the Southern Limestone Alps in the Piave Valley. The Dolomites were once the dividing line between the Italian and the Austro-Hungarian forces in the First World War.
This tour delves into the life and times of one of the greatest writers in the English language while exploring the domestic spaces and furnishings of his fine Queen Anne townhouse (1698) in the ancient heart of the UK’s capital, the City of London. Learn more about life in Georgian London and how Johnson compiled the first comprehensive English dictionary on the top floor.
Our Earth is a fantastic place, covered in mountains, valleys, and rivers, and teeming with all sorts of varied life. However the Earth was not always so, and complex life has only existed for the last 12% of the Earth’s 4.6 billion years of existence, with humans only being around for 0.006% of that.
The temples at Edfu and Philae represent the height of the Ptolemaic era of Egypt. During this time, Egypt was ruled by Greek emperors who wanted to win over their subjects by adopting Egyptian traditions, including building dramatic temples to Egyptian gods. These temples also lent the Ptolemaic emperors some of the legendary glory of ancient Egypt. The temples in this tour honor the god Horus and his goddess mother Isis. Both of these gods play prominent roles in one of Egypt’s most important myths: the Osiris Myth.
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland from its position on the Castle Rock.
Inspired by the Declaration of Independence, Elizabeth Cady Stanton said, "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal." For over 50 years, Elizabeth advocated for women's rights. She believed women should have the rights to vote, own property, and keep their wages. These rights are expressed in the women's Declaration of Sentiments, presented at the first Women's Rights Convention held 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York.
Evolution is the process of genetic change over a long period of time. Natural selection is the mechanism by which evolution takes place. In this Expedition, you will tour natural history museums and marine reserves around the world in order to understand how natural selection works and to discover how individual species of plants and animals have evolved over millions of years.
A permanent exhibition at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, “The Mine” tells the story of Swedish mining, from circa 1100 A.D. to 1960. The exhibition is a recreation of an historic mine in Sweden, which, for the visitor, simulates the experience of being in a real mine—it is dimly lit, with narrow walkways and strange noises, and dirty miners sometimes appear through the darkness.
Welcome to the study of United States history! History is the study of the past, and scholars who interpret and write about history are called historians. They want to understand events that happened in the past, when they occurred, what caused them, and how they shaped American history. Historians analyze written records and other evidence to study major events, eras, ideas, people, places, themes, and technologies. Now it’s your turn to be the historian! Look around you. What do you see?
Explore Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix, Arizona and discover what archaeologists have uncovered at a 1,500 year old archaeological site previously inhabited by the Hohokam culture. This National Historic Landmark and Phoenix Point of Pride has been a part of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department since 1929, and is the largest preserved archaeological site within Phoenix. Take a tour of the Museum galleries featuring artifacts of the Hohokam, interpretation of the Pueblo Grande village site, and the science of archaeology. Then go outside along the fully accessible 2/3 mile trail which takes you through a prehistoric Hohokam archaeological village site with a partially excavated 800 year old platform mound, a 1000 year old ballcourt, and replicated prehistoric houses.
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is in northeastern Oregon. It was established in 1975 to protect fossils in the John Day River Basin. The monument includes over 14,000 acres divided into three units: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno. Plant and animal fossils dating from 44 million to 5 million years old have been found in the monument lands. The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center in the Sheep Rock unit supports research and learning about the monument’s fossil resources.
Framlingham Castle sits above the town of Framlingham in Suffolk, England. It was built by the Bigod family in the late 12th century and was home to the earls and dukes of Norfolk for over 400 years. From the 14th century through the 16th centuries it was held successively by the Brotherton family, the Mowbrays, the Howards, and briefly, Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII. In this expedition, we will explore the castle and examine some of its many features.
In the summer of 2012, a team of technicians and photographers set out for a field near the town of Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, 150 km (about 93 miles) northeast of Moscow in Russia to take some pictures. These would not be just any pictures. The plan was to send a helium balloon carrying remote-controlled cameras to near space to take panoramic images of Earth from the stratosphere. The stratosphere is the middle layer of the atmosphere—it lies between the lowest layer, the troposphere, and the third layer, the mesosphere, from about 10–50 km (6.2–31 miles) above Earth’s surface. The upper reaches of the stratosphere are referred to by scientists as “near space.” That’s where the balloon would head. The team was led by Oleg Gaponyuk, along with adventurer and photographer Denis Efremov, who brought to the project extensive experience with unmanned aerial vehicles and—perhaps less interestingly, but just as importantly—all the necessary permits from regulatory authorities to carry out the mission.
Perched on the Cornish coastline, Geevor Tin Mine is the largest preserved tin mining site in Europe. The earliest evidence on site suggests that copper was being recovered here well over 4,000 years ago. Geevor itself began as a small enterprise originally known in Cornish as Wheal an Giver, ‘a piece of ground occupied by goats’. The area was worked almost continuously from 1840 to 1990. Today, it is a Key Centre for the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.
Take a trip to the site of the largest battle ever fought in North America, one that involved more than 160,000 men and caused nearly 50,000 casualties.
Learn about Gods and Goddesses and the integral role they played in art throughout history. Learn about the Greeks admiration of the human body, seen through sculptures of gods at the East Pediment of the Parthenon, or join art historians in the debate on whether a sculpture known as the Peplos Kore, representing a “young woman” is a mortal or a God.
Step back in time and explore the world of the wealthy families who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby. Wealthy families in the 1920s built elaborate mansions just outside of New York City on the northern coast of Long Island. Tour some of the existing mansions, OHEKA Castle, Old Westbury Gardens, Hempstead House, Castle Gould, and Eagle’s Nest, to take a peak into the lives of the families who lived there and the story they inspired.
Nineteenth Century architecture often evoked styles from the past, including Ancient Egypt, Assyria, Greece, Rome, as well as the medieval styles, Romanesque and Gothic. This expedition takes you through architectural pieces that highlight influences from the past, like the traditional Gothic spires found on the exterior of Gaudí’s Sagrada Família or the Palace of Westminster, built using Gothic Revival style.
Gyeongju was the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Silla (BCE 57-CE 935). The kingdom grew from the city into the first unified country on the Korean Peninsula. In recognition of the city’s historic value, the Gyeongju Historic Areas were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Located at the heart of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, the Gyeongju National Museum embodies the essence of Silla culture. We invite you to the historic sites of Silla.
Look at some of the first excavations of Egyptian pyramids and life on the Nile river from the early ages.
The expedition goes to Museum Island Berlin, a unique grouping of buildings which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and was built between 1823 and 1930. It includes the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Bode Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie and the Pergamonmuseum. Unique collections on the art and cultural history of Europe and the Mediterranean region can be discovered here. The expedition will allow participants to experience highlights of the collections of the five museums on Museum Island.
Take a trip through American History and return to the time of the Founding Fathers. See many of the historic sites where America transitioned from a grand vision into a sovereign nation.
Around 5000 years ago, during the Neolithic period, the people on this island off the west coast of Scotland erected these stones. This was long before written language, so we will never be sure what kinds of rituals took place here for more than a thousand years, though some have speculated that the arrangements of the stones has something to do with the cycles of the moon. The term for a large stone within a monument like this is “megalith.”
The Isle of Lewis is part of an archipelago of islands to the west of mainland Scotland. It is a remote place with stunning scenery and rich history. Dotted across the island are sites that date back hundreds, even thousands of years. It’s a truly remarkable place where stones that have faced nature’s most brutal forces still stand to tell of stories past.
Since the 1930’s Scotty’s Castle has been a popular tourist destination in Death Valley National Park. The National Park Service manages and preserves this unique historic resource. In 2015 Scotty’s Castle was damaged in a flash flood and was closed for repair. This is the story of the castle and why its a Historic Treasure of the National Parks.
The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, in this case the United Kingdom, is a conservation organization in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Founded in 1505, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) has always been at the forefront of medical discovery. It was here that pioneers explored the reaches of surgical skill through new medical methods. This experimentation is shown though the displays of Surgeons’ Hall – a purpose-built museum through which we can explore these early trailblazers who took us from the days of plague and superstition to what we know as modern surgery today.
The HMAS Vampire is a ship from another era – the last of three Daring class destroyers launched in Australia, built at Cockatoo Island in the heart of Sydney. This ship is the last example of an Australian ‘gun ship’, with three twin-gun turrets manned by large teams of gunners that are now a thing of the past. This expedition takes you around the Vampire, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at life on board a Navy destroyer.
Americans can visit the homes of many past United States presidents. These residences are now museums that help us understand America’s leaders, the times in which they lived, and the values they espoused. Join this Expedition to explore the homes of 5 of the country’s most celebrated presidents.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of the nation's most heavily attended museums, is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, George Observatory, and HMNS at Sugar Land, it serves as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions. Today, the Museum is one of the most attended museums in the nation with annual attendance reaching over 2 million, including 500,000 school children.
Computers are arguably the most important invention for humankind since the development of agriculture 10,000 years ago. No other invention has changed the way humans work, play, and explore as dramatically as the computer. We can now store seemingly endless amounts of data in a very small place, use them to achieve amazing feats, and have the entire sum of humankind's knowledge available in our pockets. But how exactly do they work?
Every culture throughout history has developed their own form of music. Listening and creating music is clearly an important human experience. Musical instruments have evolved over many years to produce the clearest and most pleasing sounds. This Expedition will explore the science behind common instruments found in an orchestra.
In this expedition, you will learn about human geography, one of the two main branches of geography. Human geography, also called cultural geography, is the study of the world’s people, communities, and landscapes. Visit Bhutan to learn about human geography, then go to São Paulo, Brazil, to explore population geography. Travel to Ethiopia and Florida to learn about culture groups and migration, visit Paris to learn about urban geography, and see Hong Kong to study economic geography.
Since the first venture into space by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in 1961, more than 500 men and women have flown in space, some staying months at a time. People have circled the Earth in small capsules and huge space shuttles. They have floated in open space, delivered satellites, conducted laboratory experiments, and built a space station. The Smithsonian would like to hear your feedback on this expedition. To send feedback and to learn more about how to engage with the Smithsonian, visit https://airandspace.si.edu/expeditions.
Meet Ross Galbraith, head of UK hydro at ScottishPower. Ross is responsible for managing all of the company’s hydroelectric power plants. Hydroelectricity uses the energy of moving water to generate power.
We all know the chemical formula of water: H2O. And most of us will be able to write the equation of the chemical reaction that produces water: 2H2 + O2 = 2H2O. But only a few people out of every million can explain how this reaction occurs in reality. Until the mid-twentieth century, mankind did not know how this reaction occurs. In 1956 the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to two scientists for their explanation of how this reaction occurs. This expedition will put you inside burning hydrogen reaction and explain to you how hydrogen actually burns.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a new wave of immigrants came to the United States, settling in America’s rapidly growing cities to live and work. Travel to New York City in this expedition to see the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island, a major immigration processing center. Visit an ethnic neighborhood in San Francisco, then go inside the Lower East Side Tenement Museum to learn about immigrant life in the tenements. Stand in front of the Flatiron Building and learn about skyscrapers, then visit Central Park to learn about urban planning.
Gegen Ende des 19. und Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts sorgten Pioniere der Luftfahrt für bedeutende Erfindungen. Otto Lilienthal oder auch die Gebrüder Wright sorgten für bahnbrechende Innovationen. Und auch in der Schifffahrt gab es revolutionäre Änderungen, die die Mobilität grundsätzlich veränderten. Hier gibt es schon seit Tausenden von Jahren die verschiedensten Modelle, je nach Bedarf: für den Transport von Passagieren oder Waren, für den Broterwerb oder den sportlichen Wettbewerb.
My name is Mike Libecki, I am an explorer and mountain climber,Along with my daughter, brother, and sister in law, we recently traveled to Nepal and made a 155-mile trek through the Solu-Khumbu District to Mount Everest Base Camp. Along the way, we stopped in several villages to install solar panels, provide and set up computers, and hand out supplies to help with earthquake relief efforts. In this Expedition, you’ll join us on our journey of humanitarian work and explore aspects of Nepal’s unique landscape and culture.
Toward the end of the 19th and start of the 20th century, aviation pioneers came up with significant inventions. Otto Lilienthal and the Wright brothers were responsible for trailblazing innovations. There was also a revolution in marine navigation that fundamentally changed how we travel. A variety of marine vessels have been around for millennia and have been put to all kinds of uses, from transporting passengers and goods to numerous ways of making a living, and competing in sports events.
Robert Smail’s Printing Works on the High Street in Innerleithen, Scotland, was founded in 1866 and passed through three generations of the Smail family before coming into the care of the National Trust for Scotland in 1986. The Printing Works never embraced new technology and remains a working example of a Victorian era letterpress print shop. Smail’s continues to use moveable type and belt-driven machinery to produce many kinds of stationery and typographical artwork. On this Expedition, we’ll lead you through each room of the Printing Works and explore the processes and interactions that were a daily part of this Victorian industry, from meeting and greeting customers to setting type and printing customers’ jobs.
The Outer Hebrides is a chain of islands off the west coast of Scotland. The biggest islands are Lewis and Harris, which technically is 1 big island that is separated into 2 territories. Unlike much of mainland United Kingdom, Roman influence was not felt much in these remote parts. A greater influence was the Vikings, who are thought to have landed here towards the end of the 8th century. There are several large artefacts from that time, from standing stones to statues. But the land itself also plays a huge role in the island’s history, economy, and culture.
John Keats lived a brief life—he was born in 1795 and died in 1821. But the poetry he wrote in the 4 years leading up to his death has had an enormous and ongoing impact on poets and poetry, and he is widely considered to be one of the greatest English poets. In 1818, after the tragic loss of his younger brother to tuberculosis, Keats moved into what was then called Wentworth Place in Hampstead, London, with his friend Charles Brown. He stayed there for 17 months before leaving for Italy, where he died. In 1925, Keats House was opened to the public, and in 1931 a new building was erected close by to house a large collection of books, letters, paintings, photographs, and everyday objects relating to the poet. In 1998, the City of London assumed responsibility for Keats House and has since restored the interior. Join this Expedition to tour the house and learn more about John Keats.
From 58-51 BC, Julius Caesar waged war against Gaul, modern day France. In 58 BC, a Gallic tribe called the Helvetii illegally crossed into the Roman borderlands and ravaged Gallic allies to Rome. Caesar’s six legions pursued the Helvetii. While on pursuit, Caesar conducted an operational pause in the vicinity of modern day Toulon-sur-Arroux, France in order to secure grain. The Helvetti interpreted this move as fear and sought to engage Caesar. Caesar prepared his forces for battle.
From 58-51 BC, Julius Caesar waged war against Gaul, modern day France. In 52 BC, a Gallic chieftain named Vercingetorix led a coalition against Caesar. Eventually, Caesar cornered Vercengetorix’s Army at a hill top fortress at Alesia- modern day Alise-Sainte-Reine, France. Caesar set in for one of the world’s most famous sieges by producing a double line of fortifications spanning a circumference of 11 miles (17.6km). The Romans and Gauls prepared to fight the decisive battle for Gaul.
From 58-51 BC, Julius Caesar waged war against Gaul, modern day France. In 52 BC, a Gallic chieftain named Vercingetorix led a coalition against Caesar. In early summer, Caesar met Vercengetorix’s Army at the hill top fortress of Gergovia- modern day Gergovie, France. Caesar struggled to find a Gallic weakness and launched a failed assault up the steep slopes of Gergovia. The battle of Gergovia marked one of Julius Caesar’s few military defeats in his long career as a commander.
Explore important events during King Kamehameha’s quest to unify the Hawaiian islands and build the Hawaiian Kingdom.
This tour hones in on the relationship between art and royalty–portraying how kings, queens, and emperors have used art to convey their power throughout history. Take an inside look through palaces, treasuries, and galleries to find out why each item is a symbol of royal power.
Le Morne Cultural Landscape, a rugged mountain that juts into the Indian Ocean in the southwest of Mauritius was used as a shelter by runaway slaves, maroons, through the 18th and early years of the 19th centuries. Protected by the mountain’s isolated, wooded and almost inaccessible cliffs, the escaped slaves formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne.
Take a tour around New York City to visit historical sites important to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. You’ll learn about LGBT rights activists, organizations and pivotal moments in LGBT history.
About 75 kilometres (46 miles) from Glasgow, perched on a high bluff above the Firth of Clyde, sits 18th-century Culzean Castle, an exceptionally fine example of Georgian architecture. Built for the Kennedy clan, this was Scottish architect Robert Adam’s masterpiece. Its rooms, furniture, paintings, and decorative details are prime examples of one of the most lavish periods in British architecture. This Expedition explores the castle from the eyes of the architect, the family, their guests, and the people who worked there.
The Field Museum houses over 40,000,000 museum objects within its walls. These specimens come in the form of plants, insects, marine animals, land animals, and dinosaurs; just to name a few! Each specimen, artifact and object is a treasure chest of information, and helps scientists at the museum explore the past, investigate the present, and help conserve the planet for the future.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument preserves the site of the June 25 and 26, 1876, Battle of the Little Bighorn, near Crow Agency, Montana. In this expedition, your students will be able to explore the historical site.
The Georgian House at 7 Great George Street in Bristol, England, was built around 1790 and is the only house of this date open to the public in the city. A visit to the house provides a rare opportunity to see how a wealthy family of the Georgian era—in this case, the Pinney family—might have lived. Eleven rooms spread over 4 floors, from the basement kitchen and laundry to the elegant family rooms above, give us a glimpse of what life was like for rich people in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Native Hawaiian fishponds like Loko Ea (which means “rising pond”) on the North Shore of Oʻahu have been in operation for up to 800 years, and are still producing fish, plants, and learning opportunities for visitors and locals alike. These fishponds are considered some of the earliest and most sophisticated forms of aquaculture - found nowhere else in the world - and are part of the rich history of Hawaiian science and technology that is still evolving today.
In the bayous of Louisiana lies the small tribal community of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw whose, home on Isle de Jean Charles, is vanishing. The land, which was once 32,000 acres, is now only 320 acres. Until 1953, "the Island," as the inhabitants refer to their home, could only be reached by boat, and the inhabitants were self-sufficient. Now Isle de Jean Charles is connected with a single curving road surrounded by water. The inhabitants of the Island have had to adapt their lifestyles due to modifications affecting Louisiana's coastline.
Built on Manhattan's Lower East Side in 1863, this tenement apartment building was home to nearly 7000 working class immigrants. The Tenement Museum preserves and interprets the history of immigration through the personal experiences of the generations of newcomers who settled in and built lives on Manhattan's Lower East Side, America's iconic immigrant neighborhood; forges emotional connections between visitors and immigrants past and present; and enhances appreciation for the profound role immigration has played and continues to play in shaping America's evolving national identity.
MAPS Air Museum is an internationally known museum of aviation and serves as a center of aviation history for Northeast Ohio. This Expedition was created by Mr. Rybarczyk's Seventh Grade Social Studies Class at GMS. https://mapsairmuseum.org/
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site was established in 1980 at 450 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. The site protects and preserves the life and legacy of the American Civil Rights Movement leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join us on an expedition to explore the places where Dr. King was born, lived, worked, and worshiped.
Originally built in Georgia in the late 1800's this histroic site represents how many poorer southern black farmers lived. The home has many distinctive properities that reflect the post-Civil War era through the Great Depression. In 1943 the house was moved to grounds of the Henry Ford Musue.
The first ones—who lived over 200 million years ago—were small, fast meat-eaters. From them evolved thousands of species that crawled, ran, flew, and sauntered their way across plains and through forests, swamps, and the air. With astonishing biodiversity, dinosaurs roamed the planet for 165 million years during the Mesozoic Era, which is divided into three periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. Today, museums all over the world honor, preserve, and share the traces these ancient creatures left behind and help us to imagine them alive—roaring, mating, sleeping, and eating.
In 1967, the Soviet government initiated the founding of the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, at the foot of the Monument to the Conquerors of Space, to commemorate the nation’s achievements in space exploration. The museum opened its doors to the public on April 10th, 1981, on the 20th Anniversary of the first manned space flight by Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. The museum exhibits tell the story of how Soviet space science evolved, starting from the first man-made satellites, followed by the first manned space flight, first space walks, Moon exploration programs, Solar system exploration programs and the international space research programs. Today, Russia still remains an important leader in space exploration.
This brief review of the often quiet architecture of heroism, brutality, and loss sometimes mark actual places of conflict but each each attempts to preserve individual and collective memory.
Study different interior and exterior looks of buildings across Europe, and see the changes in style and technique that have happened over time.
The expedition through the Pergamon Museum in Berlin presents five giant masterpieces of world architecture. We enter three outstanding collections of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, dive into Greco-Roman art, see spectacular ancient Near Eastern finds and see fascinating traces of the Middle East.
The invention of movable metal type played a key role in the development of printing and advancement of human knowledge. The oldest existing book to be printed using this technology was Jikji, an anthology of Buddhist teachings. Printed in 1377 during the Goryeo Dynasty, Jikji is now a part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World. There are several ways to make movable metal type. This tour of a master craftsman’s workshop will take you through one process using wax casting.
Explore NASA's SOFIA, The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, a Boeing 747SP aircraft with a 2.5-meter (100-inch) telescope inside. It flies at altitudes of 38,000-45,000 feet to study the solar system and beyond using infrared light, which does not reach ground-based telescopes.
The House of the Seven Gables stages “The Legacy of the Hanging Judge,” which tells the story of the writer Nathaniel Hawthorne and his connection to the events of the Salem Witch Trials. The performance was created by Anne Marilyn Lucas and takes place within Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace. The house was built around 1750 by Hawthorne’s great-grandfather, a blacksmith named Joshua Phelps.
Visit some of the oldest and important artifacts from Korea's past.
Welcome to Natural Bridge Caverns, between Austin and San Antonio in central Texas. Get ready to journey nearly 200 feet below Earth’s surface to see an extensive collection of tunnels and chambers making up the cavern complex. As you explore the caverns, you’ll discover examples of both destructive and constructive processes that are part of an active cavern system. These caverns were formed in limestone rock, and, in the process, water dissolved the minerals in the rock and formed holes.
The life of Nelson Mandela from birth to death and how he fought and sacrificed his life to secure a free, non-racial, classless and unified society South Africa enjoys today. As a custodian of the legacy and the values, the Nelson Mandela Museum promotes social cohesion and unity amongst people.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live through an major earthquake? Just ask the people of Nepal, a nation in South Asia that was shaken by a massive magnitude 7.8 tremor in 2015. The quake, and a series of powerful aftershocks that followed, killed nearly 9,000 people and destroyed many homes. It also caused serious damage to historical sites and temples that attract tourists. The recovery process has been equally hard in impoverished Nepal.
New York City is one of the oldest and largest public transportation that serves millions of passengers a day. The Transit Museum displays historical artifacts of the New York City Subway, bus, commuter rail, and bridge/tunnel systems. The museum is located in a decomminsioned subway stop in downtown Manhattan.
The seats of government in the countries of northern Europe (Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Iceland and Sweden) reflect both the times in which they were designed and the types of government they house. Most are the homes of bicameral parliaments, that is, legislative bodies that have two parts: one, smaller and ‘upper’ and the other, larger and ‘lower.’ Also included in this Expedition is Brussels’ Berlaymont Building, the headquarters of the European Union, an affiliation of about 25 member states. As you tour the various sites, reflect on how the buildings reveal both a long history and a modern sensibility.
In this tour you will see the remnants of two of the worst nuclear disaster zones in the world. We will talk about what was life before, during and after the fall out.
All aboard the Orange Blossom Cannonball, a passenger train in Florida. This locomotive is more than 100 years old! Today, the Orange Blossom Cannonball is a tourist train that teaches people about a time long ago. On each trip, the crew shares stories about what it was like to work and travel on trains like this one.
In the early 2010's a civil war broke out in Syria causing thousands to loose their homes and to settle in neighboring countries. In this expedition we will follow two children, Mustafa and Sarah, as they pursue an education in this new setting.
Take a tour of Canada's parliament, which exemplifies Gothic revival architecture and many more symbolic historical elements.
On the evening of April 18, 1775, American Patriot Paul Revere set off on horseback with an important message. Explore this exciting event in American history by following Revere’s route to Lexington and discover the real story of what happened along the way.
Hawai‘i played a pivotal war during World War II. The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor pulled America into the war and Hawai‘i served as an important base of operations in the Pacific Theater.
The wind-swept Isle of Man was fought over for centuries. The island lies at a strategic point in the Irish Sea between the English coast and Northern Ireland. Celtic, Nordic, and British rulers have all laid claim to it. St. Patrick’s Isle, not much more than a rock in the mouth of the port of Peel on the island’s west coast, was an ideal position from which to defend those claims. The earliest defences at Peel Castle were erected on this strategic point in the 11th century. Today, its ruined walls tell part of the island’s complex story from medieval times through to the modern era.
Ruins on St Patrick’s Isle on the west coast of the Isle of Man encapsulate the history of Christianity and of political domination on the island through the medieval period. Remains of monastic buildings and a Christian burial ground at Peel Castle date from Man’s early Christian period—roughly 500 AD to 900 AD—which saw the conversion of the Celtic population. Scandinavian subordination of Man began with Viking raids at the end of the 700s and lasted until 1265. A chapel, church, and cathedral on St Patrick’s Isle all date from this period. In the 1390s and early 1400s, as the English sought to keep the Scots from taking back control of the Isle of Man, the island’s lords turned the cathedral into a fortress.
On this expedition, you’ll explore the over-2,000-year-old carved streets and buildings of Petra in Ma’an province in southern Jordan.
The Way of St James, or Camino de Santiago, is the name for any pilgrimage path that concludes at the tomb of Jesus Christ’s disciple, St James the Greater, in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Its roots lie in a tradition that developed in Catholic Europe around 1,000 years ago: the making of a journey to a holy site for spiritual gain. The Church in Rome allowed its faithful to atone for their sins – or achieve forgiveness – through pilgrimage, but only to certain places. One of these was the shrine of St James.
An abbey has stood on the site of the present Westminster Abbey since the late 10th century. A community of Benedictine monks was established here in 960 AD. King Edward the Confessor rebuilt the abbey in the Norman style beginning in 1042. Upon his death in 1065, he was buried inside the Abbey church, and stories of miracles near his tomb abounded. Edward was canonized in 1161, and pilgrims flocked to visit his tomb. In 1245, Henry III began rebuilding the Abbey in the new Gothic style. Most of the church was completed by 1517, although the iconic West Towers were an 18th century addition. Benedictine life came to an end at the abbey in the 16th century, but the church survived. Westminster Abbey continues to extend a warm welcome to worshippers, visitors and pilgrims.
Alexandria lies on the Mediterranean Sea in the extreme north of Egypt. Founded in 331 BCE by Alexander the Great, it was once not only Egypt’s most important city, but one of the largest and richest cities in the world. It was known far and wide for its extensive library, part of which was housed in the Temple of Serapis. On this Expedition, we’ll visit Pompey’s Pillar, a fourth century monument that towers above the temple’s ruins.
Puerto Rico is the largest and most populated U.S. territory, and Puerto Ricans make up the second-largest group of Latinos in the United States. As a territory under U.S. sovereignty, Puerto Rico’s relationship with the U.S. is complicated - its residents are born U.S. citizens, but it is not a state and it does not have full representation in the federal government. This relationship has come about through a long and sometimes controversial history, which we’ll examine in this Expedition.
Much of the fighting in the First World War was carried out via trench warfare. Soldiers on each side lived in opposing trenches dug a few hundred metres away from each other. The space between was called No Man’s Land. Trench life was dangerous and dirty, but also downright dull. Men were killed in their millions, and those that lived had to cope with the appalling conditions. Let’s explore what life was like in a trench.
Between January 2015 and April 2016, Germany took in 1.5 million refugees. Many came from war-torn countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq seeking political asylum. Others came from ‘safe countries’ looking for opportunities to better their way of life. And still others simply came to find work with the intention of eventually returning home. German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open door policy, a humanitarian response to the war in Syria, created a refugee crisis unknown in Germany since World War II.
In August 1914, war broke out across Europe. London’s grand Victorian pleasure palace familiarly known as ‘Ally Pally’ was almost immediately requisitioned by the government and closed to the public. After serving briefly as a barracks for King Edward’s Horse, a cavalry regiment, Alexandra Palace became the point of arrival for refugees who had fled the Netherlands and Belgium. Then, from 1915 to 1919, in a scheme that went against public sentiment, the site became a prison camp for Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians who were living in the UK without British passports and who were classified as ‘enemy aliens’. Join this Expedition to learn about the experiences of these two groups.
Between January 2015 and April 2016, Germany took in 1.5 million refugees and asylum seekers. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s political open-door policy was mutually welcomed with open arms by both asylum seekers and, seemingly, the German community itself. While the German government was committed to meet the financial responsibilities of welcoming such a large number of asylum seekers and potential tax-paying citizens, it relied heavily upon the German populace to help integrate the refugees into the local community.
Germany’s open-door policy on asylum seekers created an influx of 1.5 million refugees, 323,000 of them school-age children. The huge volume of new arrivals, speaking little to no German, has created not only a demand for 20,000 more teachers but specialized teachers trained to handle the socio-psychological problems of their war-traumatized students. According to German psychotherapists, one in five refugee children have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and half have suffered trauma.
Images from the 2016 Republican National Convention
Architecture in the 19th century commonly borrowed architectural styles from history and then reinterpreted those forms for modern use.
Walk the corridors of one of the UK’s most unique sites – a place where one of the greatest mysteries in history unravelled and a discovery was made that rocked the world. Discover the cutting-edge Richard III Visitor’s Centre.
Solve one of the greatest mysteries of all time: how was King Richard III killed? How could his body have vanished? Could it ever be rediscovered? Take part in the most incredible detective story ever told as a mysterious figure is discovered, his DNA tested and his skeleton scanned. Ask yourself the thrilling question: could the body buried in the car park really be one of the most famous men to ever walk the earth?
Rievaulx Abbey, located in northern England was founded in 1131 by French Cistercian monks. Over the next 400 years the abbey grew in both size, wealth and power before it was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1538. The abbey was stripped of all its assets left as a ruin where it remains today.
Located in Table Bay in the southern Atlantic Ocean about 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) west of Cape Town, South Africa, Robben Island is associated in many people’s minds with Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid activist and former President of South Africa who was imprisoned there for 18 years.
Welcome to America's Spaceport! We're here at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to learn about rockets that have carried both satellites and astronauts into space. As you walk through the Space Center's Rocket Garden, you'll be able to see many of these rockets and observe how the structure of rockets has changed over time. You'll also learn about the Pioneer, Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. So get ready for launch! Let's start our exploration!
Located in Rome, Italy, the Colosseum was built as a gift to the Roman people by Vespasian. People were unhappy after the Emperor Nero’s terrible leadership. Once Nero was gone, Vespasian, who replaced him as emperor, wanted to do something to help raise people’s spirits. The Colosseum was a place people could go to see free entertainment. The most popular events were the gladiator fights. People also enjoyed animal hunts, battle re-enactments, and animal fights. Historical accounts testify to the fact that the colosseum could even be flooded with water so ships could reenact sea battles. Since its heyday, the building suffered from both natural and man-made events. Lightning strikes and earthquakes brought down certain parts of the building. Neglect and vandalism destroyed more. As you walk around the Colosseum’s exterior, you’ll see that some parts of the structure have been rebuilt to look as they did in ancient times.
Designed by John Nash, Clarence house was built between 1825 and 1827 as a London residence for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who became King William IV of the United Kingdom in 1830. The house stands on the Mall beside St James Palace. King William continued to live there with his wife Queen Adelaide even after ascending to the throne. Today, the house is home to The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. In this Expedition, we’ll explore the house and some of its many treasures.
When kings or queens passed away, the body was buried, and the spirit tablet was enshrined at binjeon in the palace first. Later, the spirit tablet was moved to Jongmyo, the Royal Ancestral Shrine. Jongmyo was registered with the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. The royal ancestral rites and ritual music were designated as the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001. The royal tombs were also designated as the UNESCO World Heritage in 2009.
The RRS Discovery was one of the last traditional wooden, 3-masted ships to be built in Britain. It was designed specifically for scientific exploration of the Antarctic. The ship set off from Dundee, Scotland, in 1901, and carried explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, several scientists and more than 30 crew members on the British National Antarctic Expedition. The expedition carried out important research in biology, zoology, meteorology, geology and magnetism.
Built in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts, Pioneer Village is America's first living history museum. The village sits on three acres of land and contains various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor's Faire House. Culinary and medicinal gardens and a blacksmith shop further interpret early 17th-century colonial life.
Take a journey through the Salem Village Historic District of what is today Danvers, Massachusetts. In the 1600's, Salem was the largest settlement north of Boston and included a thriving shipping port as well as a large farming and agricultural area. Families worked hard to survive and focused on their strong Puritan faith to guide them.
Founded in 1857, the Science Museum in South Kensington, London, presents examples of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe. The museum allows you to follow your curiosity and make personal connections with the themes of space, communication, flight and inventions. On this Expedition, we’ll explore authentic objects and fascinating stories to discover how science and technology transform and improve our lives.
We discover that you can break all the rules and live your dreams as we follow Londoner Sarah Moreno, groundbreaking apprentice at the London Transport Museum, as she learns the art of being a curator in one of the UK’s most iconic organisations.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 granted access to voting for all Americans. This Expedition gives insight to the Selma to Montgomery March, the VRM, and SVRC, and the subsequent political action in Lowndes County, all of which were direct causes for President Lyndon B. Johnson’s push of voting rights legislation through Congress. The National Park Service tells these stories in two interpretive centers along the original 54-mile route taken by marchers from March 21 to March 25, 1965.
The beginning of the 20th century saw the rapid advancement of many technologies, leading to industrial revolutions. Many European countries were politically flexing their muscles, causing tensions along borders. Pressure mounted and finally, after the assassination of the Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand, war broke out. This war was different than any other war in history - the combination of regional conflicts and revolutionary advancements in warfare left an unprecedented 20,000,000 people dead and shook the world.
The word machine often conjures up an image of a big, complicated device powered by electricity. Machines actually come in all shapes and sizes. The very essence of a machine is to make life easier; the word’s origin is both Greek and Roman, meaning “makes work easy” and “trick.” Used for thousands of years, Archimedes first described simple machines 2,000 years ago. A total of 6 simple machines have been recognized: inclined planes, wedges, levers, pulleys, screws, and the wheel and axle.
Travel to the Whitney Plantation near Wallace, Louisiana, a museum dedicated to teaching the history of slavery in America. The Whitney Plantation includes historic buildings and memorials honoring enslaved men, women, and children. Go inside a slave cabin and a Baptist church, explore the main plantation house, and visit some of the memorials to those who suffered under slavery.
The XXII Olympic Winter Games were held in Sochi, Russia, from February 7 through February 23, 2014. They featured 98 events in 15 winter sports, including skiing, skating, snowboarding, jumping, bobsleighing, biathlon, curling, ice hockey, and luge. Most of the venues were built specifically for the games, and this became the most expensive Olympics ever, costing $51 billion, 4 times the original budget. After the games, Sochi became a year-round resort that attracts visitors to both the ocean and the mountains.
When Christopher Columbus reached the New World, he sailed under the Spanish flag. Spain soon built colonies throughout the Caribbean, Central America and South America. In what is now the United States, Spain claimed much of what became the South and the Southwest, from Florida to California. Most colonies were centred around missions, or large churches intended to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity. These areas ultimately became part of the United States, but Spanish missions shaped their culture, architecture, laws, and history.
Why do we study world history? Although it may not be obvious, events that happened thousands of years ago in distant places still affect how we live. Ideas about government, religion, architecture—even food and games—that were developed long ago influence the world even today. How do we know what life was like long ago? Historians use a variety of tools to study the past. In this expedition you will visit several historic sites—including Athens, Greece; Petra, Jordan; and Jamestown, Virginia—to explore the study of world history.
The early 1950s saw the end of British colonization of Egypt and the birth of the independent Egyptian republic. In 1956, Sudan split off from Egypt. In the process, a region known as Lower Nubia was divided between the two countries. The Nubian people were also divided between Egypt and Sudan, depending on the location of their village. In this Expedition, we’ll visit a Nubian village on the Egyptian side of the border and then head north to see a remarkable natural formation.
In the early 1800s, American merchants were looking to increase trade beyond the Atlantic Ocean. Halfway around the globe, in Southeast Asia, Siam (now Thailand) was concerned about some European nations’ desire to control the region. Despite cultural differences and geographical distances, Siam and the United States saw a friend in each other. From the early years of this relationship, “Great and Good Friend” was a salutation used by U.S. presidents in addressing the kings of Siam. In this Expedition, we’ll explore that friendship.
On April 19, 1775, the first shots of the American Revolution rang out when British troops and colonial militias clashed at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. Travel to Lexington and Concord on this expedition to learn about the minutemen, visit the Lexington Common, and see the place where Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride ended. Explore the Old North Bridge to learn about the shot heard ‘round the world, walk along the Battle Road Trail, and visit the Bloody Angle battle site.
The American Revolution provided Alexander Hamilton with an opportunity to excel. He made speeches and published pamphlets, fought in the army, and assisted General George Washington. Visit the places and explore the documents that were central to the fight for American independence.
The ancient remains of Fourvière hill span 3 hectares, and are now an archaeological site. This area was at the heart of the city’s communal life for three centuries. It was abandoned after the 3rd century and became a stone quarry, with the two theatres disappearing piece by piece. At the beginning of the 20th century, their remains were uncovered and restored. They have now been given new artistic life as a concert venue.
For over 180 years the Australian Museum has been at the forefront of Australian scientific research, collection and education. Australia’s first public museum was established in Sydney in 1827 with the aim of procuring ‘many rare and curious specimens of Natural History’. The collection was housed in various buildings around Sydney until colonial architect Mortimer Lewis designed the dedicated museum building you are about to explore in this Expedition. Discover the exhibitions at the Australian Museum that inform and amaze its visitors about the unique flora, fauna and cultures of Australia and the Pacific.
Take a tour of the MIghty Mo’! This Iwo-class battleship is known for valiant service in three wars and as the site where the Japanese surrendered, ending World War II.
You are inside the Lowndes Interpretive Center in Lowndes County, Alabama. This display is about the discrimination and unequal conditions that existed for African Americans before the civil rights era. In 1965 in rural Lowndes County, 80 percent of the population was African American, but African Americans had no political power and owned just 10 percent of the county’s land. Segregation was maintained through intimidation and violence. The civil rights movement grew into a national movement to end such discrimination throughout the United States.
On April 12, 1861, the Civil War began when Confederate forces attacked federal troops stationed inside Fort Sumter, South Carolina. On this expedition, you will travel to Fort Sumter to learn about the opening shots of the bloodiest war in United States history. Explore the fort, then go inside a Civil War-era submarine that was found in Charleston Harbor. Next, visit Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to learn how the Battle of Gettysburg became a turning point in the war.
After the United States entered World War II, it was only a matter of time that the Allies would invade Europe to defeat Nazi Germany. However, an invasion of this magnitude required a great and fearless leader to unite the twelve Allied nations, as well as absolute secrecy for battle plans. The Allies found this leader in General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
On July 4, 1776, the 13 English colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally declaring independence from Great Britain and announcing the formation of the United States of America. On this expedition, you will visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to learn about the history of one of the most famous documents ever written. Go inside the Assembly Room, where the Declaration was debated, adopted, and signed. Visit Independence Square, where the first public reading of the Declaration was held, then go across to the street to see the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence and freedom.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hosted the Democratic National Convention in mid July as the political party endorsed Hillary Clinton, making her the first female presidential nominee for a major political party. Meanwhile, supporters of former rival Bernie Sanders charged that their candidate didn’t get a fair shot in the primaries citing hacked emails that were made public.
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) is located west of the White House at 17th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C. Most presidential staff members work in the EEOB, which also houses the Office of the Vice President, the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Security Council. The building was designed by Alfred Mullett and erected from 1871 to 1888 to house the State, War, and Navy Departments. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969.
The French Revolution of 1789 was a key turning point in the history of France and indeed a good portion of Europe as well. Hastened by Enlightenment philosophies, the revolution put an end to the feudal system as well as France’s absolute monarchy, and changed the country's entire political landscape. It was also a considerably bloody revolution, which earned it the name Reign of Terror.
On January 24, 1848, James Marshall discovered gold in California, setting of the California Gold Rush, one of the greatest migrations in United States history. People from around the world headed to California in hopes of striking it rich. On this expedition, you will visit Coloma, California, where the Gold Rush began. See the place where gold was discovered, visit the reconstructed Sutter’s Mill, look up at the James Marshall Monument, and go inside a miner’s cabin, a blacksmith shop, and a Chinese general store.
In 1929 a stock market crash triggered the Great Depression, the worst economic downturn in U.S. history. On this expedition, you will view historical photographs to learn about some of the difficulties Americans faced during the Depression. Some lost their jobs, their homes, and their life savings. See and learn about breadlines, Hoovervilles, the Dust Bowl, and the plight of migrant farm workers. Then go inside the home of the Mattox family, an African American family in rural Georgia in the 1930s, to learn about their daily life during the Depression.
On this Expedition, you’ll join giant herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they make their way across Kenya, Africa, in search of greener pastures.
In this expedition, you will learn about the Great War, or World War I. The Great War, fought from 1914 to 1918, was a conflict that involved nearly every major country in the world at the time. First, you will visit a re-created trench system to learn about trench warfare. Then you will go to preserved trenches at a battlefield in France, travel to the North Sea to learn about the naval war, and take stock of the aftermath and costs of the war.
The animosity between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton had been building since Burr defeated Hamilton’s father-in-law, Philip Schuyler, in the New York state senate race in 1791. The antagonistic relationship ended with a duel that claimed Hamilton’s life in 1804. These places and documents retrace one of the first national tragedies in US history.
After being abandoned for year, the High line was commissioned by the New York City Parks Department and numerous donors to transform these overland rails into a promenade. This unique park boasts multiple greenways and rails-to-park project. As of September of 2014, this park hosts over 5 million visitors annually.
In this expedition, we explore Asian American history in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM). APAHM is celebrated annually in May and is intended to highlight the history, heritage, and contributions of Asian Pacific American communities. The storyline and content has been curated in partnership with the Asian Google Network, an employee resource group for Asian Pacific American Googlers.
Explore the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, a living memorial that encourages visitors to remember, reflect, and act to confront hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. This tour highlights the museum’s main hall, several galleries in the exhibition, and a conservation lab. On this Expedition you will encounter photographs and artifacts and examine how the museum preserves and presents Holocaust history.
In this Expedition, we’ll explore a middle-class Glasgow tenement house built in 1892. Located at 145 Buccleuch Street, the house was the home of shorthand typist MissAgnes Toward from 1911 until 1965. Miss Toward changed very little about the house during her time here, and it retains many of its original fixtures and fittings. It’s full of her possessions, including a rosewood and walnut piano, a writing bureau from 1750 and many ordinary household objects of the time such as a carpet sweeper, cleaning products and medicine bottles. Miss Toward also kept many things that most people would have thrown away, for example, recipes, postcards, letters, newspapers and even a pot of homemade plum jam from 1929! Today, the house is preserved for the public by the National Trust for Scotland.
Ever since Charles Darwin theorized that humans and great apes have a common ancestor, the subject of human evolution has been hotly debated. Breakthroughs in modern technology have furthered human evolutionary study and as biologists discover more hominid fossils around the world, our knowledge about where we came from continues to grow.
In the second half of the 1800s, new inventions and technological advances in the iron and steel industry led to the Second Industrial Revolution, a period of rapid growth in U.S. manufacturing. By the mid-1890s the United States was the leading industrial economy in the world. On this expedition, you will travel to the Carrie Furnaces in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, to learn about America’s industrial age. Explore a blast furnace, visit the cast house, see a torpedo car up close, and learn about Pittsburgh’s steel heritage.
Jamestown, Virginia, founded in 1607, was the first permanent English colony in North America. On this expedition, you will visit the original site of James Fort to learn about its history and see how archaeologists are still uncovering its past. You will also visit Jamestown Settlement, a living-history museum, to go inside a reconstructed fort, Powhatan village, and a replica of the Susan Constant, one of the first ships that sailed to Jamestown.
The Kalka-Shimla Railway Line, popularly known as the “Toy Train,” is a marvel of engineering and a memorial to Indian history. On tracks that are just 75 centimetres (2.5 feet) wide, the little train ascends almost a mile in elevation over 96.54 kilometres (59.99 miles), carrying passengers from the hot plains up into the cool mountains, from modern India to simpler times. The railway is part of a network of tracks, trains, and stations that make up Mountain Railways of India, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the night of April 14, 1865, Confederate sympathizer and famous actor John Wilkes Booth murdered President Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. What happened that night, and why does it matter? Take your students on a journey back in time to investigate the crime.
It’s an exclusive club: the women who have served as FLOTUS (that’s First Lady of the United States). Although they held their ‘office’ simply by being the wives of Presidents, the 3 First Ladies we’ll follow in this Expedition led meaningful political lives of their own. Each began by supporting her husband but soon earned a place in history on her own merits, combining exemplary communication skills with a willingness to fight for important causes. As we visit places that touched these women’s lives, we’ll consider how the role of FLOTUS has changed and stayed the same over the last 250 years as well as the losses and successes these women experienced during their lifetimes.
Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose was one of the jewels of England’s naval fleet. The ship served in 3 wars before sinking 33 years after her maiden voyage in 1545. The Mary Rose was a feat of technological achievement for her time and was one of the first examples of a purpose built sailing warship.
Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea about 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Sicily and 284 kilometres (176 miles) east of Tunisia. The archipelago’s strategic location made it an important naval base for a succession of empires and countries from ancient times. But the islands were settled as long ago as 5200 BCE, long before Phoenicians, Romans and Moors dominated the region. On this Expedition, we’ll visit some of the mysterious megalithic structures prehistoric settlers left behind there.
Considered one of the finest surviving examples of domestic architecture from the period, the 1832 late-Federal and Greek Revival Merchant’s House is a designated landmark on the federal, state, and city level. The Museum’s collection of over 3,000 items comprises the possessions of the Tredwells, the wealthy merchant-class family who lived in the House from 1835 to 1933. The collection includes furniture, decorative arts, clothing, photographs and books, household items, and personal items. Highlights include a suite of 12 mahogany side chairs attributed to renowned furniture maker Duncan Phyfe, a pair of matching six-globe gas chandeliers, and 40 dresses and numerous fashion accessories that belonged to the Tredwell women.
The term “Middle Ages” refers to the period in European history between the fall of ancient Rome around AD 500 and the beginning of the Renaissance around 1400. During the Middle Ages, Europe broke apart into hundreds of kingdoms and states ruled by noblemen and noblewomen, who were considerably influenced by the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. On this expedition, you will explore what life was like for the leaders of European society during the Middle Ages. You will see a knighting ceremony, join a castle siege, visit a monastery, enjoy a banquet, and explore a medieval town.
This journey through the galleries of Madrid's Naval Museum shows the key role that navigation has played, throughout history, in the development of cultural exchanges between different nations. Advances in shipbuilding and naval technology gradually broadened the limits of the known world. The arrival of the Spanish in unknown lands by sea created new spaces for coexistence and conflict that laid the foundations for mutual understanding.
The Ottoman Empire existed for more than 600 years, from around 1300 to 1922. At its height, the empire included large parts of Southwest Asia and North Africa, as well as much of southeastern Europe. On this expedition, you’ll visit some sites in Istanbul, Turkey, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. You’ll see Topkapi Palace, home to around 30 sultans over 400 years. Then you will visit 2 famous Ottoman mosques—the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Blue Mosque.
India built its railways during the 19th century, when other large countries such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia were building railroads, too. On this Expedition, we’ll visit several sites in northern India that preserve India’s railway history. You’ll get a close-up look at some vintage trains that you can still ride today and see where they’re maintained and repaired. As you explore, you’ll come to appreciate why trains are such an important part of modern India’s culture.
U.S. Admiral George Dewey once said, "If Spain had used only one submarine like those invented by Peral, I would not have been able to sustain the blockade for even 24 hours." This was a reference to the 1898 war between Spain and the United States, which resulted in the loss of the last Spanish colonies. In this Expedition, we’ll take a close look at the "Peral Submarine," was one of the greatest achievements in the history of global navigation.
The Plague, sometimes called Black Death, was the most devastating disease in the history of humankind. Between 75 million and 200 million people died because of it. In this expedition we explore the causes and consequences of the plague in order to establish the foundations of infectious diseases.
Although today, we usually remember the Founding Fathers for great speeches and battles, they faced personal triumphs and tragedies that shaped their lives and their legacies. From life-changing moments to personal letters dealing with love and grief, the places and documents in this tour humanize Alexander Hamilton’s history in a way textbooks cannot.
A fascinating journey through history as seen through the locomotives and passenger cars kept at the Madrid Railway Museum. Learn about the development of traction (steam, electric, and diesel) over the more than 150-year history of the Spanish railroads, and the varying conditions experienced by passengers traveling in different eras.
Miguel de Cervantes is one of Spain’s—and the world’s—most celebrated writers. He was also a soldier in the Spanish army, and fought against the Ottoman Empire in the at sea in the Mediterranean and in North Africa. Many statues and landmarks in Spain and Italy reflect his importance to the people of Spain.
Cervantes lived in Lisbon sporadically in 1581, after that he went to Orán, he come back to Lisbon and, in 1582, he moved to Madrid. How he lived and what he did there remains something of a mystery. Most biographers note that he followed King Philip II there in hopes of gaining an appointment in the royal court. But, while Philip was busy solidifying Spanish rule over Portugal, Cervantes was out of luck.
The Silk Road is considered one of the most important trade routes in history. Though no longer in use, for over 1,000 years these conjoined routes crossed 4,350 miles and dominated the trade of the ancient world. Spanning from China to the Mediterranean Sea, linking West to the East, the Silk Road carried knowledge, culture, information, explorers, and armies back and forth along its route. It had a huge impact!
In June 1943, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) received a letter asking him to design a new building to house a collection of modern paintings owned by the wealthy businessman Solomon R. Guggenheim (1861–1949). The resulting achievement, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, testifies not only to Wright's architectural genius, but to the adventurous spirit that characterized its founders. Every year, over a million visitors come to view world-class art and experience firsthand this unique building. The structure itself has become a cultural icon featured in Hollywood films from Men in Black to The International, and claims the title of the world's most photographed landmark.
Visit the Kennedy Space Center in Central Florida to learn about the space race—the 1960s Cold War competition between the United States and the Soviet Union for the upper hand in space exploration. The space race led to the Apollo missions that resulted in the moon landings. See the stages of a Saturn V rocket, the Apollo spacecraft, and some of the tools that astronauts used on the moon. Visit Launch Control, the Rocket Garden, and learn how NASA engineers moved Saturn V rockets to the launch pad.
Steam engines may not be as commonplace now as they were in the past, but they will always have a place in history as strong catalysts for technological advancements especially during the industrial revolution. Their power allowed large–scale industrial processes to take place en masse, and in turn led into the large spike of production and technological advancements at the end of the last millennium. They have gotten more compact and powerful over time, and their progress has been nothing short of astounding.
Ramesses II, who ruled Egypt from 1279 BC to 1213 BC, is considered one of Egypt’s most important pharaohs. During his reign, he initiated hundreds of building projects. The temples at Abu Simbel were erected around 1264 BC to honor the Sun God, Ra, and to commemorate Ramesses' defeat of the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh a decade earlier. In this Expedition, we’ll explore Abu Simbel and learn why the temples were moved from their original locations in the 1960s.
The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum’s Transport Collection illustrates the history of all forms of transport typically used throughout Ireland, from the earliest recorded modes of transport through to examples from the present day. Railways, trams, cars, bicycles, motorbikes, buses, commercial vehicles, horse-drawn carts and carriages, boats, and aeroplanes are all represented at the museum site in Cultra, about 13 kilometres northeast of Belfast in Northern Ireland. The transport collection is one of the largest and widest ranging in Europe and a collection of national and international importance.
Take a trip to various locations around the United States to discover the importance of the United States Constitution
Concern about the spread of communism led the United States to become increasingly involved in Vietnam. But as more and more troops were sent to defend South Vietnam, some Americans began to question the war, and divisions grew in American society. On this expedition, you will explore two VR scenes to learn about the Vietnam War. Then you will view historical photographs to see how the war affected Americans at home and abroad. Finally, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., built to honor those who served during the Vietnam War.
Every time we play recorded music, go to the movies, or turn on a light, we enjoy the benefits of Thomas Edison's genius and hard work. Edison lived to see great industries arise from his inventions: electric light and power, sound recording, and motion pictures. Now you can take a virtual tour of his largest laboratory.
Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd president of the United States of America. The revolutionary ideas of this man of the Enlightenment were instrumental in the creation of the United States. His home in Charlottesville, Virginia, is an architectural icon, with its neoclassical design drafted by Jefferson himself. But Monticello was also a working plantation, and the home to hundreds of enslaved people. The Founding Father who wrote “all men are created equal” was also a lifelong slave owner. On this field trip, students will learn about Thomas Jefferson’s world, including his political accomplishments, Monticello - the house and plantation, and the enslaved men, women, and children, who made his lifestyle possible.
When he died on 3 February 1908, Thomas Mellon was one of the richest men in the United States, but his beginnings had been humble indeed. He was born into a farming family in Tyrone County, Northern Ireland, on 3 February 1813. In ones and twos, the Mellon family emigrated to the US in search of a better life. Today, the homestead they left behind is an important part of the Ulster American Folk Park—a living museum dedicated to educating visitors about Irish emigration. In this expedition, you’ll explore the Mellon homes and learn how Thomas Mellon worked his way from struggling farmer to the founder of one of the most successful banks in the world.
Grab your virtual reality viewer and time jump across history. Discover Medieval Britain: its Viking attacks; its torturers; the battle that killed Richard III and changed history. You’ll discover what it was really like to live in one of the most violent and darkest ages we’ve ever known!
Queen’s Island sits in Belfast Lough, a sea inlet in the city of Belfast on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland. The Lough is deep and wide and free of strong tides. This makes Queen’s Island an ideal site for building ships—BIG ships. From 1858 until the present, it has been the home of the design and construction firm Harland and Wolff. Throughout the first part of the company’s long life, H&W were known primarily as shipbuilders. On 31 March 1909, H&W workers on Queen’s Island laid the keel of a massive luxury ocean liner. On 31 May 1911, the RMS Titanic was launched from her slipway into the North Channel. Join this Expedition to visit Titanic Belfast, a Queen’s Island visitor attraction dedicated to one of the most famous ships ever to sail (and sink), and the shipyard where she was produced.
Travel back in time to the birth of the Industrial Revolution and its most exciting child: the train. Step aboard a 200-year-old train, travel down a mine and walk beside one of the most important engineers tin history: George Stephenson, father of the railways.
For most people there are only 2 weekends a year when they can explore this wonderful place, but now you can take a virtual peek behind the veil of secrecy at some of its 320,000 items. Discover electromechanical ghosts from the past – treasures like locomotives, buses, Victorian carriages, signs, lights, furniture, even Cold War-era control panels, carefully preserved like they’ve just dropped through a time warp.
The Moon is Earth’s largest natural satellite, formed when a Mars–sized planet collided with Earth 4.6 billion years ago. Some of this planet, called Theia, was absorbed into Earth and the rest of the debris clumped together to form the Moon. It takes a month for the Moon to orbit the Earth and the same side of the Moon is always facing Earth (this is called synchronous rotation and it also occurs among satellites around Saturn and Mars as well).
The Kalka Shimla Railway was built in the late 19th century by the British government to connect Kalka—already accessible by train from New Delhi—to Shimla, the summer capital of the British Raj. This 96-meter long, single track line is historically important for its engineering achievements and the cultural and economic developments it made possible. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the line has 919 bends, 107 tunnels, and over 850 bridges. On this Expedition, we’ll explore some of these remarkable engineering feats.
The Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon, Wales, is part of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, named a World Heritage Site in 2002 in recognition of the area’s importance to the Industrial Revolution. Guided by a real miner, visitors to the museum can descend 90 metres (300 feet) in the pit cage to see what life was like for those who worked at the coal face. Historic colliery buildings house exhibitions that help to tell the story of the coal industry in Wales.
Since 2005, the Honor Flight Network has fulfilled its on-going mission of flying veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Memorials—and at no cost to the vets. Join this Expedition and the vet’s as they take “One more TOUR with HONOR!”
Dive into one of the most pivotal moments of U.S. WWII history at the USS Arizona Memorial within the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Hawaii. Learn about the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, how this Monument preserves and honors those who lost their lives, and how the National Park Service is continuing to honor their legacy and address issues of site preservation on the sunken battleship.
Explore a floating city at sea, population 4,500 with an average age of 19. The largest Navy ship in the world for a decade after it was commissioned in 1945, the USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century (47 years). It was a naval aviation pioneer and its service history became known as “Midway Magic.”
Explore the USS Silversides, the most successful surviving American submarine from World War II. Learn about how “submariners” lived, worked, and survived on one of the most successful submarines in the Pacific Fleet, credited with sinking 23 ships. Tour the submarine in person at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon, Michigan.
The Utah State Capitol has been the home of Utah state government since it’s opening on October 9th, 1916. The building underwent a large historical preservation project to restore the building to how the original architect, Richard Kletting, had designed it. The Capitol prides itself in its openness to the people, thus echoing the claim to be the People’s House.
A monument to entertainment and recreation, Alexandra Palace dominates the North London skyline. Originally conceived as a ‘People’s Palace, it was built at the height of Victorian enterprise as an escape from the demands of the heavily industrialised city. The newly completed railway, which opened in May 1873, brought visitors directly to the door. Today the palace hosts concerts and sporting events and draws visitors with its permanent ice rink, skating park, boating lake, pitch and putt course, farmers’ market, eateries, and over 190 acres of open parkland.
Come tour NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center located in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is one of the agency’s lead centers for atmospheric flight research, operations and testing, and continues to accelerate advances in science, aeronautics and exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality and stewardship of Earth.
Washington spent three months at the Dey Mansion, home of Theunis and Hester Dey, in 1780 with as many as 5 aides de camp, close to 80 Life Guards, and 3,000 soldiers. Colonel Dey was the head of the Bergen County militia from 1775-1780 and served with several of his sons. This Expedition will take students through the Mansion, as it was while Washington was here. Students will have an immersive experience of everyday household items typical of a wealthy New Jersey family and experience one of Washington’s headquarters.
Today the world is witnessing an unprecedented movement of people. This movement of people from one location to another is called migration. It can occur over long distances or short. It can be temporary, permanent, voluntary, or forced. There are over 244 million migrants in the world today. In this expedition we will explore historic and contemporary migrations, and their impact on the people who move and the places where they settle. Let’s start the journey.
The struggle In the United States for women’s suffrage—the legal right to vote—was led by many dedicated and determined women, including Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Alice Paul, and Carrie Chapman Catt. These leaders, along with thousands of others, helped secure the right for all women to vote when the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified in 1920. On this expedition, you will view historical photographs of suffrage leaders, demonstrations, and protests to learn about the struggle for women’s suffrage.
Learning from a history which fully and fairly includes the vast and varied contributions of women and people of color offers a departure point in our search for social change. We have to rethink the past to reshape the future. Through the gift of Women’s History, we discover a historical treasure chest, overflowing with the stories of women who serve to inspire and energize us. We learn of their strategies and tactics in the battle for equality. We build on their work. We honor their memories.
World War I (1914–1918) caused extensive damage and destruction across Europe and the world. The Great War was characterized by trench warfare, a defensive type of warfare in which soldiers defend and attack from the relative safety of trenches. On this expedition, you will visit a re-created trench system to learn about life in the trenches, the use of barbed wire, deadly mustard gas, and the development of tanks.
World War II was the biggest, deadliest war in history. The United States played a key role in winning the war, which changed America’s economy and society. On this expedition, you will view historical photographs to learn about some of the key events of World War II. Visit Pearl Harbor, see how the war changed life on the home front, and explore Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Then learn about D-Day, the war in the Pacific, and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
World War II (1939–1945) was the most destructive conflict in human history. Millions of people all over the world died in the fighting. After the war, there were many efforts to honor those who fought and died. Memorials to the war can be found in many countries today. In this expedition, you will visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and then travel to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Finally, you will go to Berlin to see the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
Through the Eyes of The Defender provides a local lens on African American experience in the WWI era (ca. 1914– 1920) as witnessed by the famed Black newspaper, The Chicago Defender. Users visit present-day sites of key historical moments – Jim Crow, Great Migration, Women in WWI, Chicago’s 370th Infantry, Post-War Racial Violence, and the Birth of the Modern Civil Rights Movement – with archival imagery exploring how the era transformed America, illuminating issues that continue to challenge our Nation.
Take a tour through Ypres, Belgium to understand how World War I affected this city.
Zika is a relatively old equatorial virus that has recently reemerged with infamy. While it has been known to cause feverish symptoms, it was recently discovered that Zika infection causes babies to develop microcephaly in the womb if the pregnant mother is infected. The alarming nature of the discovery has caused more drastic preventative measures and extensive research into the virus.
In 1943, with the country two years into an escalating World War, the streets of Los Angeles erupted in mob violence. This incident, known as the ‘Zoot Suit Riots,’ is often relegated to a footnote of history and even considered amusing due to its association with a clothing fad. But the Zoot Suit Riots were a brutal event that influenced the Latino and Chicano civil rights movements and minority youth culture for years to follow.
The civilizations of the Mediterranean and Middle East constructed huge buildings, sculptures, and other works of art. In the second century B.C., a Greek poet, Antipater of Sidon, compiled a list of the most impressive of these sites and called them the Seven Wonders of the World. Later writers modified Antipater’s list, and through the centuries the goal of visiting all the Ancient Wonders has continued to attract adventure-seeking travellers.
The American Revolution, which lasted 7 years between 1776 and 1783, was a revolt of American colonists against the British government. After intense fighting and overcoming extreme disadvantage, the colonists succeeded in defeating the British at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, winning the revolution. Although the Battle of Yorktown was the final battle in 1781, the revolution did not officially end until 1783 when the peace treaty with England was signed.
Ancient Egyptian carpenters and stonemasons used sophisticated hand tools to cut and shape wood and stone, enabling them to create everything from temples to coffins to fine jewelry. The earliest tools were made from stone and wood, while later tools were crafted of metals, including copper, bronze, and iron. In this lesson, we’ll examine some of the most commonly used tools in ancient Egypt.
Computers and the Internet influence nearly every facet of daily life today. But as our devices get smaller and easier to use, people seem to know less and less about how they work. In this lesson, we’ll examine the parts of a basic desktop PC.
Dinosaurs first appeared in the fossil record about 230 million years ago. For millions of years, they were the dominate land animal on the planet. About 66 million years ago, these ancient reptiles became extinct—possibly as a result of an asteroid collision with Earth that dramatically changed the climate.
Electricity is a form of energy human use to power electronic devices. Almost everything with an ‘on’ button is powered by electricity; from lights, to toys, to fridges to AR apps. Electricity is the flow of subatomic particles called electrons.
Electromagnetism is the basis of our society because it is how we generate electricity. The basic principle is that a change in magnetic flux will generate an electric current in a nearby conductor. This lesson will demonstrate and help you quantify this principle.
Humans have been weaving for at least 30,000 years. When humans began to weave is hard to discover as woven objects degrade quickly and it is very rare to find ancient woven items. During the Industrial Revolution weaving became big business and clothes were about to be manufactured cheaply.
Dr Nick Cooke takes us into his hospital theatre, allowing us to meet his patients and showing how he transforms the lives of those who need his help. Follow Dr Cooke's example and discover how to become one of the UK’s leading surgeons.
In this Expedition, we'll travel to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. Over half the population of this West African country lives below the poverty line. In May 2014, the deadly Ebola virus broke out here. It can kill up to 1 in 2 people. There is no guaranteed cure: the best way to beat it is to stop it spreading from person to person. Sierra Leone battled the outbreak for 18 months. Now, it is over. The country has beaten Ebola and is now beginning to rebuild.
How humans see colors depends on a number of factors, and not all humans see the same array of colors. Other species see the world completely differently, depending on their evolutionary needs. In order to talk about the science of color, a specific set of terminology is needed.
Lemurs are a group of small primates found only on the small island of Madagascar. Due to Madagascar’s highly variable climate lemur evolution has produced a wide range of species, remarkable for such a small geographic area. Studies into Lemur’s visual system has revealed what colors these creatures can, and cannot see.
The offspring of most animals are formed through sexual reproduction. This means that a male and a female’s reproductive cells join together, where each cell or gamete contains half the genetic information of a normal cell. Between the 2 gametes, a complete cell is formed. The moment when the 2 gametes meet is known as fertilization.
Genetics is the study of traits that are passed down to offspring from parents. These traits include physical characteristics such as hair color, height, and the presence of dimples. Genes (the material passed from parents to offspring) also determine attributes like metabolism, whether people are right- or left-handed, and even the likelihood of developing certain diseases.
Pregnancy is the period where a child (or multiple children) is developing inside a mother. This period lasts approximately 9 months.
If you’ve gotten even a tiny cut on your fingertip, you know that blood flows through every part your body. The circulatory system is a series of tubes that carry oxygen and nutrients to, and removes waste from, every cell in your body. The circulatory system also transports hormones and the cells of the immune system. The pump that keeps the entire circulatory system functioning is the heart, located just to the left of center in your chest.
Blood transfusion is an essential part of modern medicine. It is used in surgery, childbirth, and emergency cases, as well as being a component of long term treatment. Without people giving blood, this wouldn’t be possible. The first case of blood donation between humans was in 1818, long before blood groups were understood. Nowadays there are strict rules about who can and can’t give blood, as well as tests to ensure that donations are safe for donor and patient.
Medical equipment includes instruments, machines, and apparatuses used in patient care. Modern medicine relies on tools and technologies for diagnosing, curing, treating, and preventing diseases and other adverse medical conditions, and medical equipment ranges from simple tongue depressors to advanced imaging devices. In the United States, medical equipment is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Medical equipment includes instruments, machines, and apparatuses used in patient care. Modern medicine relies on tools and technologies in diagnosing, curing, treating, and preventing diseases and other adverse medical conditions, and medical equipment ranges from simple tongue depressors to advanced imaging devices. In the United States, medical equipment is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The endocrine system is responsible for the production and transportation of hormones in the human body. Hormones are chemicals which control a wide range of processes including fertility, metabolism, growth and can heavily influence behavior and moods.
The offspring of most animals, including humans are formed through sexual reproduction. This means that a male and a female’s reproductive cells join together, where each cell or gamete contains half the genetic information of a normal cell. The moment when the 2 gametes meet is known as fertilization.
Especially useful for low-income and first-generation-to-college youth, students learn about the college experience, not a specific school. The expedition addresses questions: Why go to college? What are the barriers to going? Do I belong at college? How could I pay for it? Where do you live? What do you study? It is designed as a preamble, a first look, at a postsecondary degree at a traditional four-year college or a two-year community college.
Walk through various vibrant and beautiful college campuses through the world. For these set of tours, Google recently teamed up with Michele Obama's Reach Higher program to bring the college experience directly to students.
One of the largest specialist college buildings in Europe, our City campus has been designed to offer superb opportunities to our students and to meet and adapt to the changing needs of the local area. This future-proofing includes technologically advanced, industry standard facilities which complement a vast open and inspiring learning and teaching environment.
Explore Imperial College London.
Take a virtual tour of Marlboro College.
WE ARE...PENN STATE! Join the Nittany Lions on a tour of Penn State University, surrounded by college town State College, or more affectionately known as “Happy Valley.” Briefly learn about a few of the academic programs available and take an inside look at the university. Get a glimpse of Beaver Stadium, the second-largest stadium in the U.S., or explore the HUB-Robeson Center, the beating heart of the University Park campus. Learn about the long history of Penn State Pride and become a virtual Penn Stater.
Take a tour of Texas Christian University. You'll walk through this vibrant and beautiful college campus. Google recently teamed up with Michele Obama's Reach Higher program to bring the college experience directly to students.
The Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford include the University's oldest teaching room, the medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library which was used as Hogwarts Library in the Harry Potter films, and more modern spaces like the Weston Library. In this Expedition, we’ll take a look inside this famous library.
Stroll through one of the premier science musuems in the world. In this expedition, you will walk through a rainforest, go on an african safari, and explore the coral reefs in the Philippines.
Take a tour of the University of Texas at Austin. You'll walk through this vibrant and beautiful college campus. Google recently teamed up with Michele Obama's Reach Higher program to bring the college experience directly to students.
This is UC Davis, home of the Aggies. We’re known for academics, research, school pride and our friendly, collaborative spirit. UC Davis got its start in 1905 as the University Farm, the research and science extension of UC Berkeley. We’re still tops in agriculture education today, and we’ve also earned a reputation for solving the world’s problems in food, health, the environment and society.
Take a tour of the Florida Photonics Center of Excellence at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Photonics is the use of light to transmit information for applications such as the Internet, telephones, and television. Here in the Photonics Center hallway you can see doors leading to some of the laboratories. Soon we'll look inside the labs where researchers make and test thin strands of glass or polymer called optical fibers.
Take a tour of the University of Colorado Boulder. You'll walk through this vibrant and beautiful college campus. Google recently teamed up with Michele Obama's Reach Higher program to bring the college experience directly to students.
Established in 1904, the University of Leeds is renowned globally for the quality of its teaching and research. One of the largest in the UK, our campus is just a short walk from the centre of Leeds. While students can easily immerse themselves in city life, the University offers a wealth of state-of-the-art facilities which can be found right here on campus.
Take a virtual stroll through the University of Minnesota—a world-class public research university and Minnesota’s land-grant university. The University of Minnesota system includes five campuses: Twin Cities, Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester. The flagship Twin Cities campus, founded in 1851, is situated in a vibrant urban setting next to the Mississippi River. The U of M provides a thriving community for those with a drive to learn, to research, and to serve.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is an urban research institute located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. With more than 125 academic areas and 300 student organizations, there’s truly something for everyone. Our faculty is outstanding – 95 percent of UMKC educators hold the highest-possible degree in their field. Our proximity to Kansas City offer hundreds of opportunities for internships and hands-on learning. After graduation, UMKC graduates tap into a powerful alumni network that includes CEOs, Grammy winners, elected officials, video game designers and more. Inside and outside the classroom, there’s a place for you at UMKC.
Take a tour of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. You'll walk through this vibrant and beautiful college campus. Google recently teamed up with Michele Obama's Reach Higher program to bring the college experience directly to students.
Founded in 1859, Valparaiso University (Valpo) is a selective, independent Lutheran institution in the city of Valparaiso, Indiana, just one hour southeast of Chicago. Valpo provides a state-of-the-art education within a liberal arts setting, bringing together people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs who learn from and challenge one another in the pursuit of knowledge and truth.
Everything in the universe is made of matter, which exists in five different states: solid, liquid, gas, plasma, and Bose-Einstein condensates. A fluid is a substance that flows and has no rigidity. This means that fluids aren’t able to withstand any shear stress before they change shape. A fluid poured into a container will take on the shape of the container.
Take a tour of the Australian Government House! The Government House belongs to all Australians and home to Australia's Governor-General.
Bacteria are the second smallest living thing on Earth, the first being viruses. They also appear to be the oldest life form on Earth; evidence of bacteria has been found in rocks 3.5 billion years old. Bacteria can only been seen through a microscope and come in a number of different shapes. Although they were first discovered in the 17th century it wasn’t until the 1870s that scientists began to realize that bacteria may cause disease.
An exothermic reaction is a reaction that generates heat. Heat is essential for us in so many ways, and because of this, so are exothermic reactions. A classic example of this are combustion reactions.
Forensic science is used for many reasons. It can help investigators determine how an accident has occurred, gives clues which can lead to the arrest of criminals and can be used to find out how people died. It is an essential part of providing justice for victims and their families and also vital in improving the safety of vehicles and devices. A forensic scientist’s job is to collect and preserve evidence after a crime or an accident. This evidence is analysed using strict scientific methods and can be used in a court of law to prove innocence or guilt.
Webster’s dictionary defines energy as, “usable power that comes from heat, electricity, etc.” This expedition explores the many ways in which we capture energy and put it to use.
Friction is the force which resists movement between objects. Friction is not considered to be a fundamental force - a force that is necessary in order for the universe to function. Friction does not only occur in visible objects but also within air and water. Many human made objects need to take into account friction in their design and either mitigate its influence or use it to its advantage.
Gombe National Park is home to the most well-documented chimpanzee population living in the wild. Over 50 years ago, Dr. Jane Goodall began her work here, and the legacy of scientific discovery continues to this day.
The word hydrosphere comes from the Greek words for “water” and “ball.” It is the term used to talk about all of the water on our planet Earth.
Cells are the smallest unit of living organisms. Living organisms can consist of only one cell (like bacteria) or over 200 different types of cells (like a human). Cells can have specialised roles, for example brain cells have a different structure and function to cells found in the stomach. This expedition will explore six different types of cells ranging from plant cells to human blood cells.
On this journey into the cell, you will discover the hidden worlds within worlds of life at its most basic level. Explore an animal cell, plant cell, and bacterial cell to see the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and to experience first-hand the beautiful biomolecular basis of life.
Magnetism is a force that can either attract or repel different materials. Electromagnetism is one of the four fundamental forces that govern the universe, along with gravity, strong force and weak force. Without these fundamental forces matter in the universe would break apart and float away. Magnets are objects usually made out of iron and its magnetic properties means that it can exert a force upon other objects without needing to be in physical contact.
Molecules are groups of atoms held together by 2 types of chemical bonds. Molecules can either consist of 1 type of atom or different types of atoms. Molecular studies is a recent field; the first molecules studied were air molecules in 1865. The invention of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope in 1981 allowed scientists to directly observe molecules for the first time.
See the effects of different pH levels in the water. We are going to take a dive in the Ischia Bay off the isle of Ischia in the Mediterrean Sea.
Optics is the study of light and the study of how we see. People have been studying and playing with light for millenia; highly polished stones over 8,000 years old acting as mirrors have been found in archaeological sites. Galileo Galilei, a 17th century scientist, was fascinated by the behavior of light and invented one of the world's first telescopes. He is also reported to be the first person to try and measure the speed of light.
Photosynthesis is the process of converting light into energy, conducted by plants and other organisms. Flora, which is what we call the kingdom of plant life on Earth, generates oxygen through this exact process. Photosynthesis is crucial for all life forms on our planet.
Pollination is a very important part of the life cycle of plants. We’ll look at this process and how it plays a vital role in the reproduction of plant life.
Science isn’t just facts about the natural world in a textbook, or labs you do in the classroom. The laws and interactions of nature happen all around you, all of the time. In this field trip, we will explore matter and its properties, and how matter interacts and changes. Let’s go dig deeper into some incredible displays of matter!
How do scientists research and explore underwater? Studying the deep ocean is not as simple as studying environments on land. Researchers first of all have to deal with surviving below the surface, using a combination of dive teams, manned submersibles, as well as a range of deep sampling tools and robotic vehicles. As researchers explore deeper, they have to contend with increasing pressure and decreasing light. At the deepest point on the planet, Challenger Deep, the pressure is an incredible 15,000 pounds per square inch: the same as an elephant standing on your big toe. Darkness is also a feature of the deep. Below 600 feet, very little light filters through from the surface and below about 3,000 feet, there is no sunlight at all. In this Google Expedition, students will learn more about the science and technology needed to explore the deep ocean, joining the Nekton Mission team as they research the waters off Bermuda with submersibles, deep dive teams and a host of scientific equipment. This Expedition delivered the XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey. To find out more visit the Nekton website at http://nektonmission.org. Further education resources and opportunities are available at http://oceans.digitalexplorer.com.
Although the United States was conceived as a democracy by the founding fathers, not all Americans have always had the right to cast votes in elections for their representatives in government. Join this Expedition to learn about some of the milestones in the history of elections in America.
Unlike bacteria, the virus is not a living organism. Although it possesses genes, evolves by natural selection, and reproduces by creating multiple copies of itself through self-assembly, a virus does not have a cellular structure, nor does it respond to stimuli, which is often seen as the basic requirements of life.
In Voices of Social Justice, students will learn about some of the major figures in the struggle for civil rights for disenfranchised and marginalized groups. They will analyze stories of social justice and portraits of individuals who broke barriers—from key nineteenth-century reformers to modern leaders—and they will be encouraged to consider how they, too, can become civically engaged.
Visit various locations around the United States and discover the story of the Constitution.
Cells are the smallest unit of a living organism. The human body consists of over 37 trillion cells, with over 200 different types of cells. These cells all have similar organelles, structures found within the cell that perform the cell’s functions.
Simple machines, which you may remember from science class, transfer energy using few, if any, moving parts. Compound machines combine simple machines to do more advanced work. We use compound machines all the time, and you probably have some in your own home.
Humans have been exploring space for a very short amount of time. The progress made in less than 50 years is nothing short of incredible; people who watched the first man walk on the Moon may also live to see the first human walk on another planet. Much of the technology was developed during the so–called Space Race, a rivalry between the former Soviet Union and the United States to see who could get a person on the Moon first.
Present in most cells in all living things, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries all the information needed to create an organism. This information is a genetic inheritance—DNA is passed from parents to children in cell structures called chromosomes. RNA (ribonucleic acid) is DNA’s helper. It carries instructions from DNA for the creation of proteins. Join this tour to learn more about the way in which DNA and RNA interact to build bodies.
Energy is what organisms use to live, what is used to power natural processes such as earthquakes, sunlight and wind and also used by humans for various processes. Energy comes in many different forms and can be created many different ways.
The German research vessel SONNE is a ship designed to explore the deep see. Since launching in November 2014, German and International scientists have been investigating the deep sea in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, discovering unknown life forms on the ocean floor, examining mineral deposits and attempting to reveal the secrets about the history of the planet and climate, using modern research equipment. Their findings should help us to better understand and protect the biggest habitat on earth.
Welcome to Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), the makers of Airlander 10, the world’s largest aircraft. Airlander 10 looks like an old-fashioned (albeit huge) airship, but it combines lighter-than-air technology with modern aeronautical technology to form an innovative kind of aircraft. Airlander 10 can also fly for up to 5 days at a time and has a much lower carbon footprint than other types of air transport. Let’s see how it works!
The future's bright, the future's fusion! Travel inside the world's most revolutionary fusion reactor and discover how the energy of a sun can be recreated inside a secret building locked away from prying eyes.
Accelerate to the edge of space, beyond the speed of sound, in the world's most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft: the Eurofighter Typhoon. Follow a pilot's journey from suiting-up to training in a $1 billion facility, and step into the cockpit of the incredible state-of-the-art $200 million aircraft.
Cities around the world are expanding rapidly. Buildings are needed to house rising populations, and extensive infrastructure is required to keep cities running. Being able to build quickly and safely relies on advancing technologies and materials. Here at Explore Industrial Park in Steetley, one of Laing O’Rourke’s manufacturing facilities, giant concrete structures are designed and built. Engineers use advanced computer software to create tomorrow’s bridges, tunnels and buildings with precision.
Computer graphics are visual objects created by computers and designed to be displayed either on a TV screen, movie screen, or computer. These images are created by a range of specialized software. Talented artists can use computers to create fantastical worlds that look as real as the world outside our window. These scenes are shaped using imagination, a keen eye for detail, and a methodical step–by–step process.
El Romero Solar project represented a major logistical and technological challenge: to install a facility in the Chilean Atacama Desert able to supply clean energy equivalent to the electric demand of 240,000 homes. In operation since October 2016, it will power the Google Data Center in Chile.
An electric circuit is a device which is designed to allow electricity to flow through it. Using various components in the circuit allows it to perform both simple and complex tasks like turning on a light or moving digital data. Circuits can be found in anything that needs a battery or power plug to function.
At first glance, this complex of buildings, roads, and vehicles looks like a typical industrial site. But this place is anything but typical. Adventure through the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where giant pieces of technology are assembled into spacecrafts! Starting at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where spacecrafts are assembled to launchpad, experience first-hand a rocket’s journey.
Tour the various exhibits at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, TX.
Learn about the anatomy and construction of wind turbines with the Golden Hills Wind Energy Center, where smaller, less efficient wind turbines have been replaced by modern turbines that produce more energy. Wind energy offers several environmental benefits, like producing clean emissions-free-energy. Locate the parts of a wind turbine, and be able to find the right wind resource, an important component of wind farm design.
Learn about technologies and tools used to build Google Fiber’s fiber optic network for Outside Plant (underground and on utility poles) and Inside Plant (specifically multi-tenant residential spaces).
The Columbia Basin Project, including Grand Coulee Dam, is the Bureau of Reclamation's largest multipurpose project. Grand Coulee Dam includes three major hydroelectric power plants and a pump generating plant. The plants provide power generation, irrigation and flood control. The Dam also provides stream flow regulation for fish migration, navigation, and recreation. The total generating capacity of the 3 hydroelectric plants and pumping plant is rated at 6,809 megawatts. Average yearly power production is 21 billion kWh with power distributed to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Canada.
In 2015, Mackie’s installed a 10-acre site of solar panels with a capacity of 1.8 MW. Between these panels and the wind turbines, Mackie’s has a good mix of power types. Mackie’s is working towards the goal of being self-sufficient in energy and eliminating its dependence on fossil fuels.
A spectacular visit to an offshore wind farm that takes you on a tour through the past, present and future of energy production. Along the way you’ll journey to the North Sea, visit the Arctic, and find out why we need clean, renewable energy more than ever before.
Light–emitting diodes, more commonly known as LEDs, are semiconductor devices that generate light when an electric current is passed through them. They use very little power compared to incandescent light bulbs, and can be made extremely bright but compact. Because of these properties, they are used for illumination in all kinds of applications, from automobiles, to airplanes to homes since the 1990s.
The Lower East Side Ecology Center runs community based recycling and composting programs in New York City. The East River Park Compost Yard is located on the island of Manhattan. Mature compost is used across East River Park to support and create healthy soil. The Gowanus EWaste Warehouse is also part of the Lower East Side Ecology Center, located in Brooklyn, New York.
Join us on an expedition at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Take a look behind the scenes at the largest Dutch airport, including the baggage basement, the plane and the runway.
DP World London Gateway is situated in the Thames Estuary, the wide inlet of the River Thames as it makes its way into London. This is the perfect location for a container port, providing access to the sea as well as a deep water harbour for ships to dock and have their cargo unloaded. Using the latest technology, ports like this are important to securing millions of pounds of trade every year for the UK.
Microprocessors are the marvels of modern technology. They are the brains behind many everyday things including computers, cell phones, video game consoles, cars, and even microwaves. In a little over 50 years, the speed and complexity of the microprocessor have increased billions of times.
Celebrate some of the most significant, airplanes, rockets and spacecraft in history. They tell tales of ingenuity and courage, war and peace, politics and power, as well as society and culture. These milestones have made our planet smaller and the universe larger. The Smithsonian would like to hear your feedback on this expedition. To send feedback and to learn more about how to engage with the Smithsonian, visit https://airandspace.si.edu/expeditions.
It’s impossible for humans to really comprehend how vast the universe is. Earth is a small rocky planet orbiting a very small Sun, which is nested within one of at least 100 billion galaxies. Technology is allowing humans to see further than ever before but to date we still know so little even about Earth’s closest neighbors.
Man has dreamed of taking flight for thousands of years. It wasn’t until 1903 that man managed to take to the sky using a heavier-than-air aircraft. Since the Wright brothers invention aviation has evolved rapidly with today’s heaviest aircraft, the Antonov An-225 Mriya able to take flight despite its 640 tonne weight. How are these aircrafts able to fly?
If you’ve ever seen massive machinery move, you’ve seen hydraulics power in action. It might look slow and unremarkable in operation, but hydraulic technology allows us to very efficiently move extremely heavy objects using liquid. The word hydraulics combines hydro, which means water in Greek, and aulos, which means pipe in Greek.
Quantum computers do exist and are being tested by large companies and organizations such as Google and NASA in order to offer solutions to difficult problems much faster than regular computers. Like the earliest binary computers, current quantum computers are physically large. A desktop quantum computer is a long way off.
Sims Municipal Recycling center sees tons of materials everyday and works to prepare recyclable materials. Take a tour of their grounds and walk through how plastic bottles and other recyclables are cleaned, sorted, and packed to be shipped to their next stop.
This Expedition takes you to the high-tech SpaceX rocket factory where SpaceX builds rockets and spacecraft that go to space.
Go where no human has gone before and join Spirit, the Mars Exploration Rover, on a unique journey across the Red Planet
New York City has a “Zero by 30” goal, to send zero waste to landfills by the year 2030. To help them achieve this goal, the Department of Sanitation looks at what residents throw away, and comes up with a plan to recycle those items. The Department of Sanitation has programs to recycle electronic waste, food waste and clothing.
Dive inside this innovative and inspiring project to protect the forests of Thailand through alternative farming.
Flicking a switch to turn a light on is the final step in a long journey to consume electricity. Various types of power plants generate electricity that is transmitted through a large network of lines, transformers, substations, and distribution lines before reaching the home.
Float aboard and take a tour through mankind’s international collaboration Space Station, which has been constantly occupied for nearly 20 years. Visit the different modules in the order they added to and expended the International Space Station (ISS).
Baseball fans love stats, and Statcast takes it to a whole new level of fun. Statcast, a state-of-the-art tracking technology, gathers and displays previously immeasurable aspects of the game. Statcast collects data using a series of high-resolution optical cameras along with radar equipment that has been installed in all 30 Major League Baseball parks. The technology precisely tracks the location and movements of the ball and every player on the field, yielding vast new data to measure performance. Let’s take a look at Statcast and how it makes a difference in just one play!
After we use water, we rarely consider its onward journey. The process of cleaning our wastewater ensures that we have a fresh supply of safe water in the future, and minimises our impact on the environment by decontaminating our waste and turning it into a valuable resource. At Peacehaven Treatment plant near Brighton, new technologies are used to create a sustainable system of recycling wastewater.
Have you ever wondered what happens to your poo when you flush the loo? Or what happens to the water going down the drain when you wash the dishes? In this Expedition, Thames Water will take you on a tour of a waste water, or sewage, treatment works, where we’ll follow the path of your washing up water and your poo as they are recycled into clean and usable products.
Maybe it’s your job to take out the trash and the recycling. Or maybe you just see the sanitation workers throwing the trash bags or the recyclable glass and plastic and paper onto trucks and hauling it all away. Have you ever wondered what happens to the stuff you discard after it leaves the curb outside your house? In this Expedition, we’ll follow your trash and recyclables to important way stations on their way to landfills or reuse in someone else’s hands.
The Hawaiian ahupua‘a is a land division that extends from the mountains to the sea. It represents the extension of Hawaiian values into the natural surroundings as the Hawaiian belief system emphasizes the interrelationship of nature and people.
The amazon is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America. This basin covers 2,700,000 sq miles, 2,100,000 sq mi of which are covered by the rainforest.
Antarctica is Earth's southernmost continent, and contains the geographic South Pole. It is situated in the Antarctic region of the Southern Hemisphere, almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents.
Italian: L’Australia
The Ballona Wetlands, located in Los Angeles County, is one of the last significant coastal wetlands in the region. Join us in exploring what makes this urban oasis so special by visiting the saltmarsh, restored dunes, freshwater marsh, channelized creek, and educational Ballona Discovery Park.
A historic look at the northernmost country in North America, incorporating historical sites, museums, and other preservations of culture.
Take a virtual tour of five of Canada’s amazing national parks located above the 60th parallel. Although Parks Canada makes it possible to visit each of these places, it does take more time and planning than visiting your local park in the south. Here you can explore these places with no effort at all!
One of the most visible indications of climate change is the dramatic rate at which glaciers from around the globe are melting. Human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels, has caused an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted into the atmosphere. Scientists are looking for ways to halt the progress of climate change by limiting emissions of carbon dioxide.
This is a pleasant scene: mountains surrounding a loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. But hidden from view, deep inside one of the mountains, is an amazing secret. Cruachan Power Station is a hydroelectric power station built almost entirely within a mountain called Ben Cruachan. It generates electricity at times of high demand from the energy of water falling from the Cruachan reservoir into Loch Awe. Let’s find out how it works.
A tour around Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh - a young country with a large population, a rapidly growing economy and a tragic past.
Economic geography is the study of the location and distribution of economic activities, including how different types of activities are linked spatially. Economic geographers try to explain why economic activities are located where they are. They might focus on the distribution of natural resources, trade networks, the cost of land in different places, declining industries, or the places where economic development is occurring and why. On this expedition, you will travel around the world to learn about economic geography.
You’ve probably seen pictures of the pyramids in Egypt. Maybe you’ve seen them in a movie. On this Expedition, you get a chance to get a little bit closer to these amazing ancient structures.
On this Expedition, you’ll travel with me, explorer and mountain climber Mike Libecki on a journey to Greenland to find and climb remote big wall first ascents. As a National Geographic Explorer, I travel the world to explore some of the planet’s most remote locations. Come along as I climb Greenland’s peaks, sample some local cuisine, explores an abandoned village, and paddle board with a polar bear!
Join a research team from Aberystwyth University and the British Antarctic Survey as they travel to explore inside a glacier in the Arctic. You will visit the ‘science village’ of Ny Alesund and learn about the surrounding area and the UK Arctic Research Station, before joining the team as they descend into the middle of a glacier to explore channels deep inside the ice.
Over the past 10 years, a group of ecologists working with Association Nature Initiative, a local NGO, embarked on an incredible journey to Western Sahara. Their objective was to place and collect camera traps in a variety of locations in order to capture images of wildlife. They hope to further people’s understanding of the animals that live in this remote region, an area almost completely unexplored by ecologists.
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, 220 mi offshore from the Brazilian coast.In 2001 UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site because of the importance of its environment. Allow your students to see and understand the importance and beauty of the wildlife and landscapes.
Located in the picturesque Northern Region of New York State, this installation is located in one of the most unique and beautiful areas of the United States. Approximately 30 miles from Canada, with the Great Lakes to the west and the Adirondack Mountains to the east Fort Drum is home to the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) whose men and women stand ready to deploy for contingency operations wherever conflict might arise.
The Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, is a province of Ecuador, lying about 1,000km off its coast, and considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. Take a trip into the historic and beaituful island.
Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, both in size and population. In this expedition you’ll visit some of Africa’s amazing landscapes. You will see the continent from above, then visit Victoria Falls, the Namib Desert, the grasslands of the Serengeti, and the rain forests of the Congo Basin. Learn about the Great Rift Valley, visit ancient Egyptian pyramids in Giza, and travel to a market in Ethiopia.
Australia is both a continent and a country. On this expedition, visit the Land Down Under and see some of its landscapes and geographic features. See Australia from above, then zoom in closer to see its stunning coastline. Visit Sydney, Australia’s largest and oldest city. Then travel to the Great Barrier Reef—the largest structure built by living creatures—and see it from both above and below the water.
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, after Russia. It is located in North America, north of the United States and between the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, and is dominated by cold and snowy environments. On this expedition, you will travel around Canada to see some its landscapes, national parks, and cities. You will see ice fields, mountains, tundra, forests, and farms. Then you will visit the cities of Toronto and Quebec City.
China is a huge country in East Asia. With more than 1.4 billion people, China has the largest population of any country in the world. On this expedition, you will visit China to see some of its amazing landscapes and cities. See China from above, then zoom in closer to see the limestone towers near Guilin. Explore the mountains and lakes of Jiuzhaigou National Park, then visit the Great Wall, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Europe, the second-smallest continent, includes the westernmost part of Eurasia. It is home to about 50 independent countries, with some of the most advanced economies and highest standards of living. In this expedition, you will see Europe from above and visit the French Alps. Then you will travel to Iceland, Athens, Rome, and Paris to learn about Europe’s geography and see some of its most famous landmarks.
Mexico is a large country in North America, located south of the United States and north of Central America. Mexico has a diverse physical geography, with rugged mountains and volcanoes, high plateaus, large deserts, tropical rain forests, and sunny beaches. The country’s human geography is equally diverse—more than 125 million people live in Mexico, a country that blends Spanish and indigenous cultures. On this expedition, you will see Mexico from above, then visit Nevado de Toluca, Isla Contoy, Chichén Itzá, and several sites around Mexico City.
Russia is the world’s largest country by far, stretching across northern Eurasia from the European Plain to the Pacific Ocean. On this expedition, you will see Russia from above, then travel to northern Russia on an icebreaker. Visit the Caucasus Mountains and see Mount Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Europe. Then go to the Kamchatka Peninsula—one of the most active volcanic regions in the world—and finally to Moscow, Russia’s capital and largest city.
Explore the geography of South America.
Southwest Asia is a large region located in the southwestern corner of Asia. Some of the world’s earliest civilizations developed in this ancient region, and so did 3 major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. On this expedition, you will visit Southwest Asia to see some of its amazing landscapes and cities. You will see Southwest Asia from above, then visit Jerusalem, Petra, and Istanbul.
The Indian subcontinent, or South Asia, is the birthplace of ancient Indian civilization and one of the world’s great population clusters today, with more than 1.7 billion people in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several other countries. On this expedition, you will view the Indian subcontinent from above, then zoom in closer to see Mount Everest and a tea estate in Darjeeling. Visit the largest Hindu temple in the world, see the Taj Mahal and the city of Kathmandu, then explore a Buddhist monastery in Bhutan.
In this expedition, you’ll explore the ends of the earth—the North and South Poles. Visit the Arctic to learn about the tundra, glaciers, icebergs, Arctic sea ice, and nuclear-powered icebreakers that carry visitors to the North Pole. Then travel to Antarctica to explore the world’s largest ice sheet, the animals that live on the coldest continent, and the research being done there. You’ll also learn how Antarctica is changing.
The United States has a great diversity of landscapes and people. A global superpower, the country is home to more than 330 million people, has the world’s largest economy, and was the first modern democracy. In this expedition, you will see the United States from above, then visit Montana, Philadelphia, New York City, Arizona, California, and Hawaii to learn more about the geography of the country.
Our home, Earth, is a special place. More than 4.5 billion years old, Earth is the only planet in the Universe that is known to support life. Earth is part of the solar system, a group of 8 planets and other celestial bodies that orbit the Sun, a medium-sized star on the edge of the Milky Way galaxy. Thanks to satellites and remote sensing technologies, we can now view Earth from space. Take a look at our planet, what do you notice?
Put on your cold-weather gear and join this Expedition to a land of ice and snow. Greenland does have green land, but we’re going to stick close to the coast and focus our attention on fjords, glaciers, and icebergs that are the common features of the landscape here.
In April 2016, a group of Salomon skiers along with glaciologist Prof Alun Hubbard travelled to east Greenland to conduct a scientific expedition to collect ice cores from the remote, interior region of the ice sheet. The recovered ice samples tell us how much the ice sheet is melting at high elevations, how much dust and black soot (pollution) is accumulating and how these will affect global sea level rise.
In southern China lies a wild region of bizarre, steep-sided mountains. They rise in a rumpled landscape all around the historic cities of Guilin and Yangshuo. The mountains inspired artists throughout Chinese history, and today they draw tourists and adventurers from around the world.
Canada’s Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is found between mainland British Columbia and southern Vancouver Island, and is made up of protected lands spread throughout the many islands of the Salish Sea. Embark on an expedition to discover a lush paradise of rare ecosystems in a warm mediterranean-like climate. While exploring the park, we’ll stop at some of the best places to visit and look at the different ways Parks Canada monitors the health of ecosystems, as well as the work that is being done to protect and restore ecologically and culturally important places, so that we can all enjoy this beautiful place for a long time to come.
Hawai‘i Nei is Hawaiian for “beloved Hawaii”. It represents the affection the local inhabitants have for their islands, and this Expeditions takes you on a tour of some the most beautiful and historic sights of Hawaiʻi.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is centered around Kilauea volcano, an active basaltic shield volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kilauea means “much spreading” or “spewing.” Kilauea’s eruptions have been occurring for thousands of years. The current period of activity began in 1983 and has generated lava that has resurfaced more than 48 square miles of land. The center of activity fluctuates over time with the volcano currently active along its East Rift Zone and at the summit crater.
On this Expedition, join explorer and mountain climber Mike Libecki as he travels to Antarctica on the state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship the National Geographic Explorer. You can expect to see plenty of ice, and keep an eye out for an abandoned ship, killer whales and . . . penguins!
The word desert may bring to mind an image of a flat landscape of endless sand, barren of living things. In fact, deserts—which cover over one-fifth of Earth’s land surface—come in a wide variety of types and are home to thousands of plant and animal species. The frozen plains of Antarctica, the wind-shaped dunes of North Africa, the salt flats of southwestern Bolivia, and the volcanic fields of northeastern Ethiopia are all deserts. What these regions have in common is a climate marked by aridity, a lack of rainfall combined with a high rate of water loss from the ground: deserts are dry. The southwestern region of the United States is predominantly low-lying desert comprising 4 distinct desert systems, each with its own characteristics: the Great Basin, the Mojave Desert, the Sonoran Desert, and the Chihuahuan Desert. In southern California, about 130 miles west of Los Angeles, the Mojave meets the Colorado Desert, part of the Sonoran Desert system, at a place called Joshua Tree.
A brief look at the daily life around the frozen wonderland of Lake Baikal in Winter. Lake Baikal in Siberia is oldest, deepest and most voluminous lake of liquid freshwater on planet Earth. From mid January until the end of March it is completely frozen over.
In this expedition, you will learn about physical geography, one of the two main branches of geography. Physical geography is the study of the world’s physical features—its landforms, rivers, climates, soils, plants, and other natural features. Visit Angel Falls in Venezuela to learn about physical geography, then go underwater at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to explore the World Ocean. Go to China to study landforms, explore weathering and erosion in the Grand Canyon, visit Antarctica to study weather and climate, then go to East Africa to learn about ecosystems and biomes.
Journey across the Arctic tundra, viewing polar bears in their natural habitat on the shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba, the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Observe polar bears waiting for the ice to form during polar bear migration season as you explore the Arctic ecosystem.
As the water drops from the stalactite down to the stalagmite, the minerals in the water collect to create rock formations. Stalactites hang from the ceiling and are created by water dripping from the roof of the cave.
Stalagmites grow up from the ground and are created as water from the roof of the cave hits the ground. In each case, minerals are deposited either hanging from the roof of the cave (stalactites) or on the ground (stalagmites).
Geography is the study of the distribution and interaction of Earth’s physical and human features, everything from mountains and earthquakes to languages and housing styles. Geographers use a spatial perspective to study the world, its people, and the landscapes they create. In this expedition, you’ll go into the stratosphere to see Earth from above. Then you will visit Venezuela, Bhutan, China, the Congo, and Turkey to explore some of the world’s physical and cultural landscapes and learn about the 5 themes and 6 essential elements of geography.
Let’s take a tour of the Everglades.This vast wetland covers much of southern Florida. The Everglades protect numerous animal species, including many rare and endangered ones. In fact, that’s the main reason part of the Everglades was set aside to create Everglades National Park—to preserve the diversity of life in the wetland. The Everglades includes nine distinct ecosystems. Let’s explore some of them.
Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, which faces Alaska across the Bering Sea, contains a belt of around 160 volcanoes. At least 29 of them are active. In this Expedition, you’ll get a close-up look at Tolbachik, one of those active volcanoes, and learn about why this region has so many volcanoes.
Let's go diving into the Pacific's American Samoa, a tropical oasis comprised of 5 islands and 2 coral atolls.
This Expedition will plunge you into the underwater realm of the tropical Caribbean Sea, to visit some of our favourite locations. We'll start off in an island nation just north of Venezuela.
Take a swim through some of the most beautiful waters from around the world.
More people go diving in Florida than virtually any other location on Earth and today we are going to take you virtual diving to see some of Florida's most famous sites. We start our underwater expedition at the Christ of the Abyss statue - an iconic dive site near Key Largo inside Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
This Expedition will take you on a journey underwater to one of the most fascinating places on Earth - the Galapagos Islands. Let's start off by meeting some welcoming underwater Galapagos residents.
The Republic of Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, is a group of 1,200 coral islands formed by 26 atolls. They host some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world but are threatened by many stressors. Many animals, including humans, depend on reefs for livelihood, and without them, experts anticipate hunger, poverty, political instability, and decline in economies and health worldwide. However, with awareness and a commitment to conscientious choices, there are actions we can take to help maintain coral reefs for future generations.
The Zambezi River meanders gently across a flat plateau. The slow-moving water supports green forests amid the scrubland and attracts Africa’s legendary wildlife. But up ahead rises a column of steam, looking like the thin smoke from a campfire. As the river drifts closer, the thread grows into a sheet, and a pounding roar rises from the earth. Out of nowhere, the river plunges over 100 meters (300 feet), disappearing into a narrow gorge like a knife slash in the earth. This is Victoria Falls, considered the largest waterfall in the world.
Volcanoes are one of Earth’s great natural phenomena. In this expedition, we explore the inner and outer workings of a volcano and take a look at what makes volcanoes such a powerful force.
Volcanic eruptions have played a major role in Earth’s long geographical history and given rise to massive and stunning landforms. Volcanoes have also played roles—rarely benevolent ones—in the myths and legends of cultures around the globe. Today, volcanoes are a subject of scientific study, and they remain a source of nonscientific fascination for people everywhere. Join this expedition to get a close-up look at volcanoes in Indonesia, Russia, Ethiopia, Iceland, and the United States.
A landform is a natural feature on the Earth’s surface. These include large landforms like mountains, canyons and volcanoes but also includes smaller features like hills, ponds and plains. The largest types of landforms are oceans and continents. Man made features such as harbours and canals are not included in the definition of landforms, nor are geographic features such as deserts or forests.
A continent is a large landmass. Earth has seven continents, with the majority of them containing many countries within. Each continent has a range of different physical features.
In 1872 Yellowstone became the first national park in the United States, and in the world. Since then, the national park system has grown to include an incredible diversity of unique and stunning natural landscapes, all set aside to be protected and enjoyed by the people. On this expedition, you will visit Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, Hawaii, and American Samoa to see and experience some of America’s truly stunning national parks.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, also known as California State Parks, manages the California State parks system. The system administers 280 separate park units on 1.4 million acres, with over 280 miles of coastline. Headquartered in Sacramento, the California State Parks system is the largest state park system in the United States.
Let's follow a rock climbers as they climb up one of the steepest and tallest rock faces in the USA.
At 2,200 acres, Freshkills Park is almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park to be developed in New York City in over 100 years. As the site of the former Fresh Kills Landfill, which was once the largest landfill in the world, the park is a symbol of renewal and an expression of how society can restore balance to its landscape. Since closing in 2001, the landfill has been covered with layers of soil and impermeable materials, and the site has become a place for wildlife, recreation, science, education, and art. As the park is built in phases, free tours and events provide early access for learning and exploration opportunities.
Landmarks are distinctive, important, and symbolic places. Some are natural, while others are human-made. They are instantly recognizable and often historically significant. On this expedition you will travel around the United States to experience nine iconic American landmarks—Independence Hall, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Mount Rushmore, the Alamo, the Gateway Arch, the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
A church is a building where Christians gather to worship. As with any house of worship, a church is itself an expression of faith. Both inside and outside a church, the images in stained glass windows, mosaics, paintings, and sculptures portray stories and lessons that are important to the faithful. And the architecture of the building, too, reflects the faith. For example, churches are often oriented toward the east, where the sun rises. The rising sun reminds Christians of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the original leader of the Christian faith.
The ancient Egyptians practiced a polytheistic religion—they worshipped many gods and goddesses—that featured a complex mythology and elements of magic and astronomy. As foreign powers conquered the land, the religious landscape changed. Christianity swept through Egypt following the Roman invasion in the 1st century AD. But by AD 647, Islam was the land’s main religion, although many Copts, or Egyptian Christians, chose to keep their faith. In this Expedition, we’ll explore several of the most important religious sites in Egypt.
The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s most popular tourist attractions. Built during the Great Depression, this building was completed in just over a year, employed 3,400 workers a day and cost $40,948,900 to build. The top floor reaches 1,250 feet in the air—but the total height (including the antenna) reaches 1,453 feet high. The building is a masterpiece in Art Deco design and is the tallest LEED certified building in the United States.
A landmark is a unique feature—either naturally made or constructed by humans—that enables you to identify a location by sight alone. Many towns and cities have landmarks, such as statues or memorials, which locals often cite when giving directions to a nearby location. Some landmarks are so famous that people around the world can instantly identify their locations. In this Expedition, we’ll travel the world to learn about some of the most famous and beloved landmarks.
In Hopi, the language spoken by a Pueblo group in northern Arizona, it is Ongtupqa; in Yavapai, spoken by a tribe in central and western Arizona, it is Wi:kaʼi:la; in English, it is The Grand Canyon. Managed by a coalition of three tribes and three agencies of the U.S. government, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and over a mile deep. Often described as Earth’s greatest geological showcase, this jaw-dropping ensemble of colorful rock layers, magnificent buttes, and shadowy side canyons is one of the world’s natural wonders, visited by millions of adventure-seekers each year.
Were you to visit the Kathmandu Valley today, it would not look like what you are about to see. This Expedition will allow you to explore a visual historic record of a part of the world with very deep roots in the past.
The Isle of Man lies in the Irish Sea between Cumbria (England), and Northern Ireland. The island’s single most iconic landmark is the Laxey Wheel in the village of Laxey on the east coast. At 22 metres (72 feet 6 inches) in diameter, this extraordinary example of Victorian engineering is the largest working waterwheel in the British Isles. It was built in 1854 to pump floodwater from shafts in the Great Laxey Mining Company’s extensive zinc mine.
New York City is known as “the city that never sleeps”, and with over 8 million residents and over 40 million visitors a year, it’s easy to understand how this bustling city got its nickname. At first glance, visitors can’t help but notice the city’s skyscrapers, each housing businesses, restaurants, shops, or residences. But there’s more to New York City than tall buildings. It’s also a city of culture, art, and recreation. Nestled among the city’s skyscrapers are over 80 museums. Look more closely in spring and summer, and you’ll see many areas of green—parks where people can relax, exercise, or catch an outdoor performance. On this Expedition, you’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers, museums, and parks.
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India is one of the most famous structures in the world. Join this expedition to learn about its origins and architecture.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built between 1872 and 1884 to thank the Virgin Mary for having spared the city from invasion during the Franco-Prussian war. It has become one of the major symbols of Lyon, in part thanks to its dominant location on a hill overlooking the city. It is one testament of the great influence that Christianity has had on the city over the centuries.
Burj Khalifa is a megatall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest artificial structure in the world, standing at 2,722 ft. Burj Khalifa was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), who also designed the Willis Tower and the One World Trade Center.
At the turn of the century, millions of people immigrated to the USA and the busiest entry points was New York's Ellis Island. Take a tour of the histroical grounds and the symbol for arriving to America, The Statue of Liberty.
Jump around the continental United States as you take an exciting tour of the country's most famous monuments.
Around the globe, most of Earth’s citizens live and work in cities. A few cities are so large, wealthy, historic, or beautiful that they are world famous, attracting thousands of tourists and visitors. This Expedition takes you on a tour of some of the world’s most impressive cities and the sights you can see there.
Quantum mechanics, a field within physics, studies the smallest particles in the universe. It’s a fascinating and exciting field of study simply because very, very small particles behave differently than everything else. Much of quantum mechanics seems counterintuitive and quite frankly, things get a bit weird.
Contrary to popular belief, outer space is not empty. It is filled with electromagnetic radiation (also called light) that comprises a spectrum of energy ranging from low-energy radio waves on one end to high-energy gamma rays on the other.
The force of magnetism can either attract or repel different materials. Electromagnetism is 1 of the 4 fundamental forces that govern the universe, and without these fundamental forces, matter in the universe would break apart and float away. Magnetic objects, usually made out of iron, possess magnetic properties that can exert force upon other objects without physical contact.
Humans have over 600 skeletal muscles. These muscles, working together with the skeleton, allow us to move. When we are cold and shivering and our muscles are shaking, our brain is telling our muscles to move. When in use, skeletal muscles generate heat, so that we can warm up.
We all know what happens when we accidentally touch a hot pot. It hurts! The part of the body that is responsible for sending pain is the nervous system. The nervous system is one of the most complex systems of the human body and it is composed of the brain, spinal cord, and also nerves all over our bodies. This is the system that helps us process information, interact with the world around us, and control our bodies.
Our understanding of migraine headaches is constantly changing. While we used to believe that migraines are caused by changes in blood vessels in the brain, it is clear what happens in the brain is much more complicated.
The circulatory system of the human body carries one of the most important substance in your body: the blood. At the center of it all is the heart.
The respiratory system is the body’s structure that allows us to breath. It is made up of several key areas including the nose and mouth, trachea and lungs. The respiratory system works very closely with the circulatory system. The purpose of breathing is for the body to obtain oxygen, a helpful molecule, and release carbon dioxide which is waste. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried by the blood. Breathing also allows us to talk. Normal adults breath about 12-16 times in one minute. When exercising, they may breath up to 45 times in a minute.
The Skeletal System of the human body is formed by many bones, which give the body a frame of support. In addition to providing structure, bones serve other purposes, such as producing blood, regulating minerals in the body and protecting soft, internal organs. Bones are alive and are constantly interacting with the other body systems and changing. Bones are hard and strong, yet lightweight, allowing us to move around easily.
Cultural evolution is the idea that the development of different technologies, behaviours, languages and traditions follow a similar pattern as genetic evolution which was described by Charles Darwin in 1858. This expedition will explore some key breakthroughs in human cultural evolution including the development of art, agriculture and technologies.
Olfactory refers to the sense of smell. Despite popular belief humans actually have a high sense of smell and can detect up to a trillion different odors.The shape of a human’s nose cavity, our brain power and our language skills could all help detect and recognise these scents.
The brain is the control center of the body. It regulates everything from our basic heartbeat and appetite to feelings as abstract as contentment or nostalgia. The human brain is the most complex in the animal kingdom, and scientists are still only beginning to understand how it functions and produces our consciousness and behavior. However, we do know a few basic things about the brain and how it works.
In this Expedition, imagine you are a molecule of oxygen in the atmosphere, you will be breathed in and travel throughout the respiratory system.
Skin is a thin layer of living tissue that surrounds an animal. Skin has many different biological functions and has evolved to help animals survive within their environment. Humans are the only member of the primate family to have mostly hairless skin.
Humans have two ears, one on each side of the head. You are most familiar with the outer ear, but the most important structures of the ear are hidden inside the skull, where sound is captured, translated into electrical signals, and sent to the brain.
The digestive system is where the human body takes in and breaks down food. Most of the digestive system is located in the lower abdomen, and it connects with the outside of the body through openings at the top and bottom. Imagine you are a piece of fruit—a raspberry. On this expedition you, the raspberry, will travel throughout the digestive system and see how each part functions.
Look! What you are doing right now is experiencing the miracle of sight. In a fraction of a second, a single glance tells us the size, color, shape, and texture of an object, as well as if it’s close or far away, and if it’s moving or standing still.
The olfactory system refers to the sense of smell. Humans can detect up to 1 trillion types of odors and have a specialized organ, the nose, that detects and analyzes odor particles.
The circulatory system transports blood, respiratory gases—among them, oxygen and carbon dioxide—nutrients, and other metabolic products throughout the body of an organism. The structural elements of the human circulatory system are the lungs, heart, blood, and blood vessels, including veins, arteries, and capillaries.
Astronomy is the study of what we know about the universe. We explore our position in space; and discover what stars, planets, and moons really are.
The Aurora, more commonly known as “Northern Lights” or “Southern Lights,” is an incredible light show found near the earth’s polar regions. It’s caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s own atmosphere.
Dotted in the vast expanse of space are billions of galaxies, stars, black holes, planets, and other celestial objects. Advancements in space exploration and telescopic technology means that new discoveries are being made and humans are quickly building on previous knowledge.
Mars has captivated the public attention for decades. The likelihood of liquid water on Mars, at some point in its history, drives us to explore the Red Planet. Water is key because it is needed for life as we know it. Mars has huge reservoirs of ice today, but could it still have liquid water that ebbs and flows on the walls of some craters? If there is water, could microbes exist? NASA’s Mars rovers are answering these questions. Visit the sites they have explored and learn about what they have found.
Become a Solar Explorer and stand on the surface of every planet in our Solar System.
Welcome to Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. NASA’s Juno spacecraft is on a mission to investigate this mysterious world. What astronomers can’t see through a telescope, we are now seeing up close with a spacecraft. Juno’s new mission of discovery at Jupiter is just beginning.
Travel to outerspace to peek inside the International Space Station! You’ll get to explore inside the different modules that make up the ISS, including the Zvezda Service Module, the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), the Columbus Laboratory, Destiny, Zarya Functional Cargo Block, and Nodes 1, 2 & 3. You’ll also get a see a spectacular view of Earth, just like the astronauts!
The solar system consists of a central star, the sun, and all of the smaller celestial bodies that continuously travel around it, including our very own Earth.
One of the extensive collection of American astrological expeditions materials.
Put your spacesuit on and prepare to blast off 240,000 miles away from earth to our only natural satellite: The Moon.
Comets are clusters of ice, gas and dust that orbit the planets or sun in space. There are currently 3,520 known comets orbiting our sun, many of which are the size of a small town.
This expedition is based on the book Ara The Star Engineer. An inspiring, inclusive and whimsical way to learn about computing, from real-life trailblazers! Join the upbeat adventure as Ara and her sidekick droid, DeeDee, use smarts and grit to solve a big problem. Meet real-life engineering superheroes of Google along the way! Watch them discover the algorithm of success -- coding, courage, creativity, and collaboration -- that can solve BIG problems and be lots of fun.
We’re visiting Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), makers of Airlander 10, the world’s largest aircraft. Here at its base in Cardington, England, HAV tests Airlander 10 and will eventually put it into large-scale production. Developing and producing an innovative form of transport requires a team with a wide range of skills. Who built Airlander 10? What did they have to do? How did they get their jobs? Let’s find out.
Welcome to Shark Valley! Here at the north end of Everglades National Park in southern Florida lies the Shark River Slough (pronounced “slew”), which receives and filters water from Lake Okeechobee as it flows south through the Everglades. Water in the slough moves at the slow pace of 30 meters (100 feet) per day, eventually flowing into Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s explore the structures people have built in this area and the purposes they serve.
It’s easy to take the quality and safety of the vehicles we drive and ride in for granted. Most of us don’t understand the amount of work that goes into manufacturing today’s cars, which must be efficient, durable, and safe. In this Expedition, we’ll step inside a car production factory and learn about the production process from start to finish.
In a crater the size of 30 football pitches, an amazing structure has grown. Two glass and metal biospheres, like habitats from another world, house the largest indoor tropical rainforest in the world. Explore the amazing Eden Project and see for yourself why some people call it the 8th Wonder of the World.
The adoption of the personal automobile revolutionized the way people travel and commute. Cars led the way to the explosion of suburbs and the connection of towns and cities all over the world. The vast majority of cars run on internal combustion engines but the future of cars is electric. Regardless of what’s under the hood, cars work on the same basic principles.
Legendary motor manufacturer Aston Martin has set the world on fire with its revolutionary DB11. Buckle up for a thrilling ride as we discover design principles, materials science, manufacturing secrets and even prototype camouflage that keep secrets hidden from view. This one is rated Top Secret!
Explore the confined quarters of the USS Bowfin, a Balao-class submarine that saw action during World War Two.
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), is the first U.S. automotive assembly plant to achieve zero landfill by reducing, reusing and recycling. With over 3,900 Associates, SIA is committed to quality, safety and environmental stewardship. SIA became the first automotive plant to be designated as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. It's 800+ acres serves as a home for various wildlife including: white-tail deer, rabbits, Canadian Geese, beavers, coyote, snapping turtles, frogs, red-tail hawks and the Bald Eagle.
Welcome to the Texas A&M Engineering Innovation Center (EIC)! This is an open space where engineering students have access to state-of-the-art prototyping tools, equipment, material and support staff. Through partnerships with industry and non-profit sponsors, the EIC is an environment where concepts become solutions to real world problems and student teams come together to build new prototypes, acquire new skills and develop new relationships.
Take a tour of a unique combination of engineering and entertainment.
Welcome to the UC Santa Cruz CITRIS Center at UCSC Engineering! CITRIS Santa Cruz is a unique organization where students and the world’s industry leaders are engaged to put new technology solutions to work. CITRIS operates within the greater ecosystem of University of California and the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley. The institute enables world-class laboratory towards the creation of applications, platforms, companies, and even new industries. Through facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration between hundreds of UC faculty members, students, corporate partners, and national institutions, CITRIS shape the future of technology.
Gears are 2 or more wheels with interlocking teeth. Working together, they provide more torque or speed to a machine, or provide power through rotation.
An engine is a system of moving parts that converts one form of energy into motion. Cars powered by fossil fuels use an internal combustion engine to move.
A day in the life of a Near Eastern Archaeologist excavating a cemetery site. Come tour an archaeological excavation on the coast of Israel with Dr. Adam Aja, Assistant Director of the Leon Levy Expedition to Ashkelon. Adam leads a team of specialists and students to excavate a cemetery near an ancient port city of the Philistines. Learn about the tools of the trade and witness discoveries as Adam and his team unearth 3000-year-old remains.
Deep in the hills of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, mysterious fossils of organisms called Ediacarans appear in the rock record. These fossils are the remains of some of the first complex animals that evolved on Earth. They lived in ancient oceans around the world for about 40 million years, then just before the Cambrian Explosion they universally disappear. You will visit a secret site, called Nilpena, where some of the best Ediacaran fossils have been found.
Fossils are the preserved remains, or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the remote past. We can learn a lot about the historical Earth from these remnants.
Lost Creatures introduces you to Queensland’s long-lost creatures that lived here over the last 250 million years. Meet some of these inhabitants, including dinosaurs, giant marine reptiles and megafauna unique to Queensland. Marvel at their immense size and diversity. Queensland has undergone great environmental upheaval and climatic change over millions of years. Learn about how these creatures evolved and adapted to these changes, then ultimately faced extinction.
In this expedition, you’ll chase Carmen Sandiego around the world’s tallest structures. Starting with the Eiffel Tower, you’ll visit buildings that were the tallest in the world when they were built—the Empire State Building, the Willis Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, and finally the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Along the way, you’ll learn about some of the innovations that have allowed people to build ever taller.
Take a glimpse into what a church looked like in colonial America.
You’ve been playing with 3-dimensional shapes, such as blocks and balls, since you were little. Architects and builders work with the same shapes to create huts, houses, castles, cathedrals, and palaces. On this Expedition through Europe, we’ll be looking for 3-dimensional shapes in structures old and new. We’ll also be travelling back in time and across space, which will add even more dimensions to our learning.
On this Expedition, we’ll tour Europe with an unusual purpose in mind: we’ll be looking for 2-dimensional, or flat, shapes—shapes that have length and breadth but no depth. Of course, Europe, like all the other places on Earth, actually exists in 3 dimensions. But on this tour, we’ll focus on flat surfaces. Get ready to become a geometric tourist!
Towers are literally high points of architecture, and their history reinforces their importance. Towers have provided high places to watch for the enemy, welcome and warn incoming ships, ring bells, and, in modern times, transmit electrical signals. In this Expedition, we’ll tour some of the best-known towers of Europe to explore their architecture and history. We’ll also learn about the places the towers were built to enhance and protect.
The remote islands on the north-west coast of Scotland have been inhabited for thousands of years. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the island of Lewis is battered with fierce storms and crashing waves. Island life can be harsh, and buildings must be built to last. The stone black houses in the village of Arnol show how the way of life has changed very little for hundreds of years, and how modern buildings have replaced these traditional structures.
Moats, drawbridges and towering keeps: discover the castles and pleasure gardens of the French nobility from the Middle Ages to the Court of King Loius XIV.
Take a walk along the River Thames through the heart of London and visit some famous sites along the way, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the Palace of Westminster.
Skyscrapers are amazing feats of architecture and engineering. They have been dazzling us since the 1880s when the first very tall, multi-storied buildings were erected in the United States. Since then, skyscrapers have pierced cityscapes around the world. European architects have contributed to this movement, designing buildings taller, grander, and more innovative than ever before. In this Expedition, we’ll travel around Europe to stare up at some of these glass, concrete and metal giants.
The giant standing stone structure known as Stonehenge was constructed over 5,000 years ago. How the great stones were placed and the purpose behind Stonehenge has puzzled historians for centuries since the people who built and used it left no written records. Modern day technology is helping to shed light on the purpose of Stonehenge and how it was constructed by people who, at the time, hadn’t yet invented the wheel.
Welcome to the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. You are standing on the stage of the Grand Hall, the centrepiece of the concert house. The terraced seating for the audience around the stage is called the vineyard principle.
The basic layout of the first floor of the White House has not changed dramatically since Thomas Jefferson was president at the beginning of the 1800s, but its purpose has changed. Even in Lincoln’s day, the first floor rooms were used by the first family as private spaces. Today, the first floor is a public space. It is often referred to as the “state floor” because this is where foreign dignitaries are entertained with formal receptions and state dinners.
Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., the White House serves as the residence of the President of the United States and the first family and also houses the offices of the president and the first lady. The White House was designed by James Hoban, but it has gone through many changes since John Adams, the second president and the White House’s first resident, moved in in 1800. Join this Expedition to get a close-up look at today’s White House.
Take a stroll through the White House and take a look at this year's holiday decorations.
Welcome to the Witch House, home of witchcraft trials judge Jonathan Corwin. Judge Corwin moved into the house with his family in 1675 and lived here until his death in 1718. Later generations of the Corwin family lived here until 1856, then the house was used for shops and small boarding rooms. It was taken over by Historic Salem Inc. in 1944 and renovated into a public museum in 1948. It is the only currently standing home you can visit in Salem that has any ties to the witch trials of 1692.
We can learn a lot about the United States by visiting her presidents’ homes. Whether it’s a sprawling rural plantation or an urban two-story edifice, these residences are now museums that celebrate and commemorate U.S. leaders, the times in which they lived, and the values they espoused. Let’s take a tour through four of the most popular homes of former presidents.
Every fall the First Lady, Michelle Obama, hosts a fall harvest in order to teach students from local communities about healthy eating and the importance of the food they eat.
The Greek civilization flourished on the Balkan Peninsula and nearby islands in the Aegean Sea from the 7th century B.C.E. to the 1st century of the Christian Era. The Greeks developed a unique, highly formalized architecture, and they were masters of building with stone. In this lesson, we’ll examine an ancient Greek temple and some of the elements used throughout ancient Greek architecture.
A bridge is a structure that allows you to easily travel over difficult or otherwise impassable terrain, such as a valley or river. For thousands of years, humans built bridges using a variety of materials, and as technology advanced, bridge design became more complex. Today, bridges reach heights and lengths that were previously thought impossible.
She’s capricious—but she’s beautiful—and she assumes myriad forms worldwide. Mother Nature is full of riches, surprises, and variety, from the Mariana Trench to Chomolungma, from frigid polar seas to tropical coral reefs, and from feathers to fins to fur. Not only does she offer a bounty of flora and fauna, she also offers gems and minerals that dazzle the eye and seemingly last forever. Museums all over the world offer these visual delights to the public, so that we can learn from, admire, and be inspired by their magnificent diversity and stunning beauty. Let’s visit a few now.
Welcome to Big Cypress National Preserve. This vast wetland covers more than 729,000 acres in southern Florida. The preserve protects not only the plants and animals that live and interact here but also the water itself. Fresh water falls on the wetland as rain, saturates the ground, and floods the surface. The water then flows through five different ecosystems, ending in an estuary. There it mixes with the salty water of the ocean. Let’s explore the watery world of Big Cypress.
Join us for a walk through Berlin’s Museum für Naturkunde, where a giant glass wall celebrates the diversity of Earth’s animal species. Walk with us to learn more about preservation and biodiversity and biodiversity.
See all the various biomes across the world. Compare the conditions and biodiversity in each.
Borneo lowland rain forest is an ecoregion, within the Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests Biome, of the large island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. With this expeditions you will learn all about the various plants of Borneo, Indonesia in their most natural habitat.
Take a view of the adverse effects of climate change in various environments throughout the globe.
The cloud is one of Earth’s most common displays of nature. Clouds are visible accumulations of water droplets or solid ice crystals that float in the Earth's troposphere (the lowest part of the Earth's atmosphere), and move with the wind.
The heat exchanger is able to hold the heat from the inside of the house produced by the birds, and transfer this heat to the incoming air; introducing clean, fresh air back into the house without losing any energy. This also allows us to dry the manure, reduce ammonia levels, and filtering the dust. We are able to keep a constant temperature in our houses, allowing the birds to be more comfortable and stay evenly distributed within the house.
Conservation International’s film, “Valen’s Reef,” will take you to The Bird’s Head Seascape in Raja Ampat, in Indonesia’s West Papua province. This region — the epicenter of the world’s marine biodiversity — is a source of immeasurable value for the communities that rely on its ecosystems for food, livelihoods and protection from rising seas and storms. For decades, the abundant natural resources of the Bird’s Head Seascape were a major target for development and exploitation, leading to destructive fishing practices that wiped out fish stocks and degraded the coral reefs.
Take a tour of some of the most biodiverse areas in our oceasn. Coral reefs have all types of marine life.
Welcome to the Blair Audubon Center! This is the entrance to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a protected wilderness of several ecosystems in southwest Florida. Here at the visitor’s center you can learn all about Corkscrew Swamp through field guides, exhibits, an art gallery, and even games. The best way, however, to experience the incredible beauty and diversity of this wilderness is to stroll through it. So put on some comfortable shoes, fill your water bottles, and check your cameras. Our adventure begins right outside the door.
Ever wonder how life survives in the harsh conditions of the desert? Take a look into this unique botanical gardens and learn about some of the exciting research they are doing.
Earthquakes are the shaking or rolling of Еarth’s surface, caused by the release of tension built up in its constantly moving crust. Some can be big enough to flatten entire cities, while others are so small that they pass by unnoticed.
An ecosystem is a collection of living and nonliving organisms that interact as a system. Ecosystems come in many sizes, and they can cover hundreds of miles or be the size of a postage stamp. The removal of a living or nonliving component of the ecosystem can affect other components detrimentally. This expedition will be studying large–scale ecosystems.
Within the tropical region of Borneo, there are various different and distinct ecosystems that are subject to very different ecological and climatic conditions. Each have their own compliment of animals and plants that have evolved to be well adapted to these conditions. We start our expedition in Bako national park. Bako contains almost every type of plant life found in Borneo, with over 25 distinct types of vegetation. With an area of just 27km squared, you would think there to be little space for variation. And yet, within that small space you can find, tropical rainforest, mangrove swamps, dry heathland and many more ecosystems that support vastly different forms of life. We will explore a few of them in Bako, as well as elsewhere in mainland Borneo.
You begin your journey in ancient rainforest that once covered all of Borneo. You start by climbing up into a canopy viewing station that overlooks the horizon of this virgin rainforest. You can see what this land would have looked like before modern human developments started to influence the landscape. Everywhere you look is an ecosystem that has evolved over millions of years, with species co-adapting into an integrated and complex web of life that provides resilience and strength.
Did you know that more than 70 percent of our planet’s surface is covered by water? It supports an abundance of marine life. The ones we call exotic are marine ecosystems that have specific qualities and are very different from each other in origin, functions, and the life forms they sustain.
The Baltic Sea – the ocean right on our doorstep – plays an important role at the OZEANEUM. A route through the Baltic Sea and along its coast shows different types of coastline and habitats. The exhibition not only focuses on Baltic Sea plankton, fish and molluscs of but also the regional birds and mammals which are displayed in their natural environment.
The 3.9 mile Taggart-Beaver Creek Loop Hike is one of Grand Teton National Park’s most popular day hikes. The area is situated at the base of the iconic Teton Range and tours two of five glacially-formed lakes at the base of the mountains. Both Bradley and Taggart lakes lie in depressions made by glaciers almost 20,000 years ago and are surrounded by glacial moraines. In addition to its unique geology, much of this area burned in the Beaver Creek wildfire in 1985, making it an ideal place to observe forest change and plant adaptations to wildfire. Enjoy the views on this expedition as you learn about geology, fire ecology, and the Teton Range.
Join the Nekton research team as they explore the waters off Bermuda with submersibles, technical dive teams and a host of scientific equipment. You will tour the Baseline Explorer, a specialized marine research vessel and learn about life afloat, science at sea and all the different roles and people that go into making this kind of expedition a success. The deep ocean, below 200 meters is the beating heart of our planet. It represents 97% of our biosphere, providing food and valuable genetic resources, maintaining a stable climate, and even changing our ideas about life in the universe. Yet it is virtually unknown. We have better maps of Mars than we do of our own seabed and scientists estimate that only 0.0001% has been biologically sampled. This Expedition delivered the XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey. To find out more visit the Nekton website at http://nektonmission.org. Further education resources and opportunities are available at http://oceans.digitalexplorer.com.
The Giant Devil's Flower Mantis, scientifically known as the Idolomantis Diabolica, is one of the most beautiful insects. Take a look into the life cycle and environment of a this unique insect.
Explore underwater areas impacted by coral bleaching. You'll learn about the process and effects of coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is an indicator of a big problem that's out of sight and out of mind - the issue of ocean warming.
The Great Bear Rainforest is the largest remaining intact temperate rainforest on earth. Located on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, it covers 6.4 million hectares encompassing hundreds of islands, mountains, glaciers, rivers, deep fjords and forests with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth. It is one of the the world’s last great wilderness areas and home to the iconic “Spirit Bear”, grizzly bears, wolves, salmon, orca, humpback and fin whales, and indigenous cultures.
Let's travel to tropical Guam, a Micronesian island known for it's wildlife, beautiful diving sites, and shipwrecks.
A habitat is where a living thing spends it time. The habitat provides the organism with what it needs to survive. A habitat can be small, like a rotting log, or large, like the Sahara Desert. Your body is a habitat for many organisms. Scientists have identified numerous distinct habitats, and examples of each one can be found in different places around the globe. A habitat is defined by climate and weather and the kind of plant life it supports, among many other things. Join this Expedition to explore a variety of natural habitats—and one that isn’t so natural.
The Everglades in Florida have many naturual resources that local habitants have been able to use for their advantage. Find out more in the tour.
Jiuzhaigou, or the Valley of the Nine Villages, is a national park and nature reserve in China covering over 72,000 hectares (nearly 180,000 acres) of mountainscapes and valleys. For centuries the home of Tibetan and Quiang groups, until the 1970s few people had ever visited this area on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Sichuan province. Today, you can hike in the virgin woodlands and view some of the astonishing multi-level waterfalls. You might even see a giant panda or two.
Most rivers begin high up on hills and mountains. If you’ve been walking in hills, you’ll know they can be surprisingly damp. That’s because the ground acts like a sponge soaking up rain. Excess water flows downhill, pulled by gravity, first in trickles and then small streams called rivulets, which in turn join together to form larger streams. Finally, a stream becomes a river. We’re going to follow a river from start to finish: the River Forth, in central Scotland.
Take a journey from the lava lake of Marum Crater in Vanuatu to the tropical shores of the Pacific. From the shores of Marum’s lake of fiery lava, trek with Willy, a local guide, across the lava plains, down the volcano’s steep side to the black sand beaches of the Pacific coast and into the traditional village of Endu Pahakol.
Right up to the 19th century it was believed that nothing could survive below 650 feet. Chance capturing of deep sea animals ignited imagination and deep sea exploration began in earnest in the late 1800s. Due to the high pressure, low visibility and inhospitable conditions more people have travelled into space than visited the deep oceans. Over 95% of Earth is covered in oceans and human have only explored less than 5% of it. What researchers have found has changed the way we think about life on Earth completely.
The Murray River is a rich part of the Australian landscape. Throughout history, the Murray River has been a source of food, trade and life sustaining biodiversity. Flowing for more than 2,500 km through three states, it also has its dangers. The Murray River is Australia’s number one drowning blackspot. Understanding and respecting the river is crucial for its survival and ours.
Not all coral reefs form naturally. For this Expedition we will travel to underwater locations around the globe where manmade reefs have been created, both intentially and unintentially. Let's start at one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean - the SS Antilla.
The mountain fortress city of Namhansanseong sits approximately 480m above sea level aligning itself with the ridges of the mountain to maximize its defensive capacity.
Walk through the fields that once was home to millions of American bison and learn how the enviornment has evolved over the years.
Discover the hidden gems of Park's Canada.
Take a tour of Canada's national parks along the coast of Bristish Columbia.
Rock climbing expedition explores difficult climbing in the Southern Corsican Alps. Climbers approach, climb, and summit a difficult route (Delicatessen 5.14). Shows all the climbing pitches and safe climbing, and explores the geology, environment, and history of Corsica.
The Congo Basin’s tropical forests are the second largest in the world after those of the Amazon Basin. Gabon itself has an extensive system of rainforests covering 85% of the country. Yet today, due to logging activities, poaching and pollution, the forests and their high species richness are threatened. Thankfully, local and foreign NGOs are working on preventing illegal poaching, on educating children on waste management, and on finding economical alternatives to logging, to build a sustainable future for Gabon.
Let’s explore some different kinds of wetland ecosystems. We’ll start in Florida at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. We’ll also visit Shark River Slough, Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Lovers Key State Park, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
In the last seven years Cape Eleuthera Institute, in collaboration with the Moore Charitable Foundation and many other organizations and institutes, has comprehensively sampled 126 unique oceanic whitetip sharks near Cat Island, The Bahamas. This has included satellite tracking technology and accelerometer and video analysis to better understand movement patterns, ultrasounds to determine pregnancy, and collection of tissue and blood samples to study genetics, diet, and physiology of these sharks. Results from this study will better inform resource managers about this critically endangered animal and promote their conservation in the future.
There are some parts of Earth that are extremely inhospitable to most life forms. In this expedition, you’ll travel to and learn about two of these locations; the Uzon Caldera in eastern Russia, and the Atacama Desert in Chile. These locations have extreme environments including hot springs, toxic lakes, and deserts with limited access to fresh water. You’ll also learn about some species that have been able to adapt over time to survive in these unfriendly conditions.
The 3rd Global Coral Bleaching Event was the longest and most damaging coral die-off in recorded history. It’s also the most widespread: from late 2014 to mid 2017, excessively high ocean temperatures devastated corals in all the major oceans. Many healthy reefs are now graveyards. Yet some corals have proved resilient to the deadly bleaching. By working to understand how (and why) corals bleach, we can better protect coral reefs around the world, and may find the key to saving them for the future.
If you’re not Egyptian and you have never been to Egypt, you might think this Mediterranean country on the northern edge of Africa is one vast sandy desert. You wouldn’t be entirely wrong—over 90 percent of Egypt is desert. But there is considerable variety in Egypt’s desert landscapes, and the great Nile River, which bisects the country from north to south, supports a different kind of ecosystem along its banks. In this Expedition, we’ll take a look at several distinctive natural sites in this ancient country.
The World Ocean is the interconnected body of water that covers about 70 percent of Earth’s surface. Although we recognize 5 separate oceans—the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans—they are really part of one global system. On this expedition, you will explore coral reefs, visit islands, swim with a humpback whale, and drop by an underwater research laboratory to learn about the World Ocean.
The air around you is constantly moving. Wind is simply flowing air caused by the difference in air pressure. Wind comes in many forms and has many uses. It can be a destructive force but also one of earth’s most important natural resources.
Plants are found on every continent on Earth, including in deserts and in polar regions. Adaptation refers to a mutation, either genetic or behavioral, that allows a species to survive in their environment.
Most plants have similar structures, with the exception of mosses and liverworts. These structures ensure that the plant survives and reproduces in its habitat.
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon caused by the surface of the Earth shifting. This movement is caused by tectonic plate movement and rocks vibrating under stress. Earthquakes range in size and intensity and can occur near the surface or deep within the lithosphere.
Corals are early complex life forms, having first appeared in the Cambrian period about 542 million years ago. They are invertebrate marine organisms that usually live in compact colonies composed of many individual polyps. Colonies of corals with hard, bony exoskeletons can build up over generations to form reefs.
Deserts are arid regions generally located in a belt about 30° of latitude wide that runs parallel to the equator. Deserts occupy about 25% of the earth’s land surface and average less than ten inches of rainfall per year. Most plants and animals who live in desert habitats have evolved amazing adaptations to extreme drought.
Coral reefs are unique ecosystems that only exist within a narrow band of parameters. Coral reefs need clear, warm, shallow water which is unpolluted. The first three requirements restrict their growth to specific areas around the planet, the last requirement threatens the coral reefs that currently do exist. Within coral reefs live an astounding array of unique creatures, many of which entirely depend on the coral reef for their survival.
Usually, it’s easy to ignore geology. The earth under our feet doesn’t seem very exciting or dynamic. Geologic changes often move millimeters at a time, and take millions of years. But at some places on Earth’s surface, the geology is so colorful, strange, or dramatic that the powerful forces that created it suddenly become visible. In this Expedition, we’ll explore some of the most famous and beautiful land forms on Earth.
Earth is one of the terrestrial planets. That means it’s basically rock, formed from a variety of minerals in a variety of ways. Rocks can be useful, rocks can tell us about the past, and some rocks are just plain beautiful. Join this Expedition to explore the world of minerals.
Dive into the largest cave that exist on this planet, Son Doong.
The Velsen mine is a former coal mine in Saarbrücken where coal was mined for over 100 years. Over 10,000 miners have been trained here and since the mine stopped training miners in 2011 it has been run as a museum mine by a charitable organisation called Erlebnisbergwerk Velsen (Velsen Adventure Mine). Coal is a black hard solid sediment stone consisting of over 50% carbon that is made over 250 to 300 million years from fossilised plant material pressed by persistent new stone and is an important source of energy.
Geology is the study of what makes up our planet — from the giant tectonic plates to the different types of rocks, minerals, and gems that are found within the Earth’s crust. Geology has a wide range of applications, from trying to predict when volcanoes or tsunamis will occur, to locating rich mineral sources.
Have you ever wanted to be a wildlife biologist for a day? The Wildlife Conservation Society has boots on the ground in more than 60 countries and today we’re going to take you for an up close look at our work in the Republic of Congo. On this Google Expedition we’ll be delving deep into the rain forest on a three-hour walk through dense undergrowth and waist high swamps in search of gorillas!
Cells are the basic building blocks of nearly every living thing, and while they come in a vast array of shapes and sizes and perform many different tasks, many share certain basic functions. This lesson explores some of the different ways cell membranes, the outermost layer of the cell, interact with the outside world.
Cells are the smallest unit of living organisms. Living organisms can consist of only one cell (like bacteria) or over 200 different types of cells (like a human). Cells can have specialised roles, for example brain cells have a different structure and function to cells found in the stomach.
The periodic table was created by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869. It was created to help categorize the known elements, ordering them by their atomic weight. The table also suggested that there were elements yet to be discovered by science. To date, scientists have discovered or created 118 different elements.
