On Outside Magazine
"Perhaps then to understand what she learns in books has a place in the real world."
Not many of us would pull our children out of school and take them on a 14 month trip around the globe. A mother and daughter (seventh grader) from Colorado took homeschooling or "worldschooling" on the road. The trip in part, advocating for endangered animals and a love of conservation but more importantly would be a hands-on learning experience that touches many subject areas.
The tour begins in Namibia, a country that's developed its conservation practices; working alongside the communities, encouraging an appreciation for the wildlife while also helping the locals to generate income. Understanding wildlife habitats takes years of research and dedication and on their visit they were able to meet some of those that work in conservation and are recognized for their expertise.
Philip Stander, has been studying for over 30 years lions, looking at how they live and adapt to the Namibian desert. Laurie Marker, working to safe the cheetahs of Africa started The Cheetah Conservation Fund. The world's fastest land mammal (reaching speeds of 110 kilometers an hour in 3 seconds) has become an endangered species. In the 1900s the cheetah population was around 100,000 and today it's depleted to approx. 8,000. Dr. Laurie will be doing a tour during March-April in the U.S.
Human interest has always been interwoven with wildlife, conservation and education; the different paths taken to better understand this relationship continues.