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<< Everyday Explorers demonstrate hands-on exploration. Photos courtesy of Peter Thron, National Geographic Channel

Become an Everyday Explorer! You will be making an exploration tool kit that will provide you with the necessary gear and ideas for year-round activities that will help you dive in, get hands-on, and find out exactly what makes your neighborhood tick.

In fact, how much do you really know about your neighborhood? You travel the roads every day, probably know at least some of your neighbors, and can certainly recognize local landmarks. However, there is probably a lot you don't know about the people, places, animals, and plants you share your space with. The best way to find out more is to go exploring!

Think About It
The first thing you need to do is prepare the necessary tools to explore the various aspects of your neighborhood. Think about what you could use to help you explore the plants, animals, and other aspects of nature found in and around your neighborhood. Some suggestions include binoculars, a hand lens, small gardening tools (trowel, claw), hand sanitizer, a measuring tape, a small camera, flashlight, plastic bag (for collecting), a weatherproof notebook, and pens and pencils. Oh, and don't forget some comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Assemble all of your supplies in a weatherproof box—a plastic storage bin would work nicely. This way you'll always know where to find your exploration gear when you need it.

Do Something About It
Now that your tool kit is assembled, it's time to put it to use. The list of activities provided will help you learn more about your community's animals, plants, people, places, and products. Write the list down in your journal so you'll always have it handy in your exploration tool kit. Remember to let your curiosity be your guide and, most importantly, to have fun!

Using the list below, and any other exploration activities you can think of, consider which ones need to be done during specific seasons of the year and which ones can be done in all seasons. Enter the activities into your calendar, (PDF, Adobe Reader required) choosing appropriate days (for example, a long activity should be done over a weekend, or a break from school) and seasons, if necessary. Make sure to note activities that fall on a specific day (such as Earth Day). Consider using the date of your birthday each month to remind you to go out exploring.

Check out the activity list (PDF, Adobe Reader required) to get ideas for exploration throughout the year. Always remember to be safe when doing any of these activities: ask your parents, bring a friend, be street smart, and stay healthy!

Younger Xpeditioners: Make a list of your favorite places to explore in your neighborhood. What makes these places special to you?

Older Xpeditioners: Explore a part of your neighborhood you've never been to before. Using some of the activities suggested above, compare your findings as you explore the area around your home and the new area.

Write down your reactions and then ask others for their opinions. You can also read answers to Morell's questions posted online. Write a short essay about what people think about extinction. Are humans to blame? What can and should we do to prevent further extinctions? Does everyone agree on the answers to these questions?

Parents: Participate in community exploration with your children. Discuss with them the importance of safety when they are exploring, and tell them that they should always let you know what they'll be doing and where they plan to go. Remind them to wash their hands after they come in from exploring.

Play the 'Driving Game' with your children. As you are driving, have them take turns randomly telling you to turn left or right. When you are 'lost' have them use landmarks to help navigate back home.

Help your children, create a map for visitors depicting their favorite neighborhood places to play and explore. Consider adding photographs or drawings to your map.