Unfortunately, geography is neither widely taught nor well-taught in our schools today. Social sciences as a whole have been de-emphasized in schools in the last decade. Within the subject of geography, there is a disproportionate focus on dates, events and individuals, while little to no attention is paid to the functioning of human-environment systems or geographic reasoning. In fact, the United States lags behind the rest of the world in both the quality and quantity of every aspect of geography education.

Geography Awareness Week hopes to not only raise awareness of this deficiency and attempt to reverse the trend in schools but to provide materials to support better geography education in the United States. National Geographic works with teachers and other content experts to develop activities for the classroom, home or community. The activities include games, lessons and experiential projects. Guides and educational materials for these activities are available for free here.

Geography Awareness Week is also an opportunity to bring attention to the need for educational policies that will increase geographic literacy. Over the years, we have used Geography Awareness Week to mount campaigns for state standards in geography and federal funding for teacher education. Geography Awareness Week materials encourage people to become educated about ways they can advocate for improved geographic education in their communities.