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Divided AI draft

New tasks: Great, lets move ahead with the 1st application:

I like to use the sentence: Look into the past and future of humanity through the "Eye of the Sahara". Maybe this or something like this could be the name of the application. what do you think?

Explain (where it is logical to explain) that alternative history hypothesis are getting more and more popular although they are often opposite of the widely accepted academic narrative, which is okay because thats what science is about: questioning whether we have correct knowledge and improve through reevaluating it. Although it is very important to stay realistic and use scientific method, so the alternative hypothesis are also a huge risk, especially that they often dont specify the sources of information so they can mislead the population, but they are very popular as they are very interesting so it is a gateway of getting people's attention by tackling their curiosity and then leading them towards real scientific exploration and fostering collaborations. Thats what this project is about. The eye of the sahara and the connected hípothesis of atlantis is mind-blowing and many people in the world are waiting for solutions although most content about is biased. (There is even a NatGeo episode where they started talking baout it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEtVdG0x6So⁠

--> although it is very confusing and needs clarafication and deserves a seperate series basically, where it is sclaing the huge cooperative research we started few years ago and makes sure that we research this question well in an interactive documentary that will be self-sustaining through donations and foster a lot of research in the region and grabbing many peoples attention and forwarding them into proper scientific research and reflection for our current civlization and its crises about sustainablity which is basically the teaching of atlantis from Plato's description - hübris and wars leads to destruction.)

So explain how the interactive documentary is the new way of creating engaging content, that people feel included in as they can tell their opinion (through questionneres and embedded debate platforms (like kialo - structured debates) on each subpage of each episode. As well as they can interact with 3D models we created about these locations. (

https://lumalabs.ai/capture/8290db67-8941-4e76-8871-59e699a8346d⁠

)

Explain that Gergely Áron Dzsida (me) who is the leader and founder of both projects has actually organised a 2 week long expedition to the eye of the sahara in 2021, and this documentary concept is half finished, but need more funding to professionally finish it. He (me ) interviewed 7 scientist from famous hungarian universities (geology, geophisics, archeology, paleo climatelogy, classical philology, etc) so it very interdisciplinary, but in an interesting way. A geophyisicist joined the expedition in 2021, but to make it more reliable scientifically we need to bring an archeologist for the next expedition, which would be organised in 2026 winter from the national geographic fund.

The project needs initiale funding as later it will be self-sustainable as it will be freely available for everyone (As all information should be) and there will be 2 income sources to keep the project going after the publication of the first finished series and create multiple series.

Donations through the interactive documentary website (which can later be embedded into the official natgeo website - become a subproject of natgeo)

Yearly expeditions will be organised where participant can join if they pay the price for the trip - There will be also spots that people can apply for free to make adventure available for everyone - There will be special application for that

We will visit schools and universities to introduce the project, although every school can just include our "interactive interdisciplinary documentary series" and just show few episodes duing the classes (as there are many sciences involved it can be a project connecting school subjects

The whole project is based around objectivity. We are introuding hypothesis and very detailly introduce all the hard evidence from the region: It is like a case of how proper research is done even if the topic itself is very divisive, like atlantis. 8) Explain that Gergely Áron dzsida has also lead 2 willow-dome building, so the funding would partly go into finishing those structures and turn them into educational spaces. The online 3D model of the willowdome will be an online interface for learning too. So both subprojects will have their on interface but also they will be connected and referenced by each other giving a holistic approach. The willowdomes are also permacultural gardens where a lot of other sustainable practices will be introduced which will be shown in the interactive Semiramis series. So there are 2 interconnected interactive interdisciplinray documentary series # National Geographic Grant Application - Application 1 ## "The Future of Learning" - Atlantis Together & Semiramis Together

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## PROJECT TITLE **Exploring Humanity's Past and Building Its Future: Integrated Learning Through History, Geology, and Sustainable Design**

---

## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This application presents two interconnected educational initiatives that together create a comprehensive learning experience about human civilization, resilience, and sustainable futures.

**Atlantis Together** explores humanity's past through the lens of the legendary lost civilization of Atlantis and the Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara) in Mauritania. By investigating myth, science, and history, learners develop critical thinking skills and understand lessons about civilizational rise and fall, environmental change, and human resilience.

**Semiramis Together** builds on these historical and environmental insights to teach learners how to create sustainable futures. Through living architecture and ecological design, participants learn practical skills in sustainable building while understanding how human ingenuity can work in harmony with nature.

Together, these projects embody a powerful educational philosophy: **Understanding the past empowers us to build a better future.**

---

## PROJECT VISION & ALIGNMENT WITH "THE FUTURE OF LEARNING"

National Geographic's "Future of Learning" initiative seeks to advance education by fostering exploration, curiosity, and critical thinking. Our two-part initiative directly embodies this vision by:

### 1. **Fostering Geographic Thinking and Exploration** Both projects encourage deep inquiry into real-world geography—from the geological formations of the Sahara to the ecological systems we must design for tomorrow. We cultivate the exploratory mindset that defines geographic thinking.

### 2. **Connecting Past, Present, and Future** By linking historical exploration (Atlantis Together) with future-focused design (Semiramis Together), we help learners see themselves as part of a continuum of human knowledge and responsibility.

### 3. **Integrating Multiple Disciplines** Our projects connect geography, geology, history, environmental science, ecology, architecture, and cultural studies into a cohesive learning framework.

### 4. **Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms** We create immersive, mobile, and digitally-integrated learning experiences that bring education to communities, schools, and public spaces worldwide.

### 5. **Empowering Informed Decision-Making** Through our projects, learners develop the knowledge to understand complex systems and the agency to participate in building sustainable solutions.

---

## DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

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# PART 1: ATLANTIS TOGETHER ## Myth, Science, and the Eye of the Sahara - Understanding Humanity's Past

### **Project Overview**

Atlantis Together investigates the legendary lost civilization of Atlantis through the lens of the Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara) in Mauritania. This interdisciplinary project bridges mythology, geology, history, archaeology, and contemporary environmental science to explore profound lessons about civilizations, environmental collapse, and human resilience.

By combining rigorous scientific research with engaging narrative, Atlantis Together teaches learners to think critically about how to distinguish myth from evidence, understand complex geological processes, and recognize patterns in human history.

### **Core Educational Components**

#### **A. Interactive Documentary Series**

**Description:** A series of 12 episodic documentaries presenting multiple perspectives on the Atlantis mythology and the Richat Structure. Each episode explores a distinct theme while maintaining an overarching narrative arc.

**Episodes Include:** 1. The Atlantis Legend - From Plato to Modern Interpretations 2. The Eye of the Sahara - Geological Discovery and Mystery 3. The Richat Structure - Formation and Geological Processes 4. Ancient Sahara - Climate, Water, and Lost Civilizations 5. The Garamantian Empire - Historical Evidence and Advanced Societies 6. Geological Evidence - What Science Reveals About Past Civilizations 7. Environmental Collapse - Historical Patterns and Lessons 8. Mythology and Truth - How Myths Preserve Historical Memory 9. Advanced Ancient Technologies - Capabilities of Past Civilizations 10. Climate Change Through History - Long-term Environmental Patterns 11. Modern Exploration - Current Research at the Richat Structure 12. Lessons for Tomorrow - What History Teaches Us About the Future

**Features:** - High-quality cinematography with location footage from Mauritania - 3D visualizations and geological animations - Expert interviews with geologists, archaeologists, historians, and anthropologists - Real-time Q&A interactions allowing viewers to explore topics deeper - Community discussion forums connecting learners globally - Interactive timelines and data visualizations - Accessible to multiple educational levels (high school through adult)

**Format & Access:** - Each episode: 45-60 minutes - Available on major streaming platforms - Free access through educational partnerships - Downloadable materials for classroom use profusely - Subtitles in multiple languages

**Target Audience:** - Secondary students (ages 14+) - University students - Educators and lifelong learners - General public

**Learning Outcomes:** - Understanding the intersection of mythology and scientific evidence - Recognizing how geological processes shape human civilization - Developing critical thinking about historical sources and interpretation - Appreciating the role of geography in human history - Understanding climate systems and environmental change

---

#### **B. Richat Structure Research & Educational Program**

**Description:** A comprehensive research and educational program that deepens the scientific investigation of the Richat Structure while creating rich educational content.

**Research Components:** - Deep geological analysis of the Richat Structure's formation and evolution - Paleoclimatic research into the Sahara's transformation from fertile to arid - Archaeological and historical research into civilizations of the region - Analysis of how environmental changes shaped human societies in the Sahara - Investigation of how myths preserve historical memory

**Educational Outputs:** - Scientific research papers and reports suitable for academic audiences - Educational case studies for earth sciences and environmental science curricula - Interactive maps and visualizations of geological and historical data - Teacher guides for integrating Richat research into classroom learning - Student research project templates and methodologies

**Field Component:** - Research expeditions to the Richat Structure in Mauritania - Documentation and data collection for ongoing research - Partnerships with local communities in Mauritania - Educational opportunities for students to participate in real research

**Learning Outcomes:** - Understanding geological processes and deep time - Developing skills in scientific research and analysis - Recognizing connections between physical geography and human history - Appreciating the value of empirical evidence - Understanding paleoclimatology and environmental change

---

#### **C. Educational Platform & Curriculum**

**Description:** A comprehensive online learning hub integrating all Atlantis Together content, designed for seamless use by educators at multiple levels.

**Platform Features:** - **Curriculum Modules** - Organized by educational level and subject area - K-8: Age-appropriate exploration of geography, history, and science - Secondary (9-12): In-depth study of geology, world history, and environmental science - University: Advanced seminar materials and research methodologies - Adult/Lifelong Learning: Accessible explorations of topics

- **Teacher Resources** - Complete lesson plans aligned with educational standards - Assessment tools and rubrics - Discussion questions and critical thinking prompts - Extension activities and project ideas - Professional development materials

- **Community Engagement Tools** - Discussion forums connecting learners across the world - Citizen science projects where learners contribute to ongoing research - Student question submission to expert researchers - Collaborative learning spaces

- **Interactive Elements** - Virtual field trips to the Richat Structure - 3D models of geological formations - Timeline builders and interactive timelines - Data visualization tools

**Accessibility:** - Multiple languages supported - Accessible design for learners with disabilities - Mobile-optimized access - Offline content options for limited internet areas

**Learning Outcomes:** - Environmental awareness and stewardship - Historical analysis and critical thinking - Understanding systems and interconnectedness - Digital literacy and research skills - Global perspective and cross-cultural understanding

---

#### **D. Mobile Workshops & Community Engagement**

**Description:** Traveling educational programs bringing Atlantis Together content to schools, museums, and community centers worldwide.

**Workshop Formats:** - **School Assemblies** - Engaging 1-hour presentations for entire school populations - **In-Depth Classes** - Multi-session workshops (3-5 sessions) integrated into existing curricula - **Museum Exhibitions** - Interactive exhibits featuring models, artifacts, and interactive displays - **Community Workshops** - Public sessions for families and community members - **Teacher Professional Development** - Training for educators to teach Atlantis Together content

**Workshop Content:** - Storytelling about the Atlantis legend and its origins - Hands-on geological activities (rock and mineral identification, stratigraphic analysis) - Archaeological methods demonstrations - Interactive mapping and geographic analysis - Discussions about environmental change and human adaptation

**Global Reach:** - Initial partnerships in Europe, North Africa, and North America - Expansion to Asia, South America, and Africa - Culturally adapted versions for different regions - Multilingual facilitation

---

# PART 2: SEMIRAMIS TOGETHER ## Designing a Sustainable Future - Building Upon Historical Wisdom

### **Project Overview**

Semiramis Together teaches sustainable design and ecological integration through the creation of living, growing architectural structures. Named after the legendary queen known for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, this project demonstrates how human ingenuity can create beauty and function while working in harmony with nature.

Building on the historical insights from Atlantis Together, Semiramis Together asks: "Having learned from the past, how can we design a sustainable future?" Through hands-on experiential learning, participants develop practical skills in sustainable construction while deepening their understanding of ecological principles.

### **Core Educational Components**

#### **A. Living Architecture Workshops**

**Description:** Hands-on construction courses teaching participants to design and build sustainable structures using living materials (primarily willow and other rapidly-growing plants).

**Workshop Types:**

**Level 1: Foundation Workshops (2-3 days)** - Introduction to sustainable building principles - Understanding natural growth processes - Basic techniques for working with living materials - Small-scale projects (planters, trellises, garden structures) - Suitable for ages 12+, all skill levels

**Level 2: Intermediate Workshops (1 week)** - Structural design and engineering principles - Planning larger living structures - Community collaboration on projects - Maintenance and long-term care - Suitable for ages 16+, prior workshop experience helpful

**Level 3: Advanced Workshops (2-4 weeks)** - Complex architectural design with living materials - Project management and implementation - Teaching and facilitation skills - Entrepreneurship in sustainable construction - Suitable for ages 18+, educators, entrepreneurs

**Workshop Content:** - Botanical knowledge (plant growth, species selection, seasonal considerations) - Design principles (form, function, aesthetics, ecological integration) - Construction techniques (planting, weaving, shaping, maintenance) - Collaboration and community building - Environmental stewardship

**Target Audiences:** - Students (ages 12-18) in schools - University students (architecture, environmental science, design) - Community members and lifelong learners - Educators and facilitators - Entrepreneurs and social enterprises

**Learning Outcomes:** - Understanding sustainable building materials and methods - Recognizing ecological principles in design - Developing practical construction skills - Appreciating the role of nature in human spaces - Building teamwork and leadership capabilities - Developing agency and confidence in addressing environmental challenges

---

#### **B. Symbolic Form Projects**

**Description:** The creation of living structures with deep symbolic meaning, integrating cultural and artistic elements with environmental science.

**Symbolic Projects:**

**The Eye of Semiramis** - A large living eye-shaped structure referencing the Richat Structure - Serves as permanent outdoor classroom and public art installation - Demonstrates how historical knowledge (Atlantis Together) informs present design - Located in major cities with high foot traffic and visibility

**The Infinity Garden** - Infinity symbol-shaped structure using living materials - Represents humanity's cyclical relationship with nature - Serves as meditation space and teaching area - Interactive elements for visitor engagement

**The Healing Spiral** - Spiral-shaped living structure inspired by natural patterns - Creates microclimates supporting biodiversity - Serves as wellness space and ecological research area - Educational focus on biomimicry and natural design

**Cultural Heritage Structures** - Living structures reflecting local cultural symbols and traditions - Developed in partnership with indigenous and local communities - Honors cultural knowledge while promoting ecological design - Creates sense of place and belonging

**Features of All Symbolic Projects:** - Designed and built by local communities and students - Permanent or semi-permanent installations - Serve as outdoor classrooms and public gathering spaces - Documented through photography, video, and research - Connected to broader sustainability and cultural conversations

**Learning Outcomes:** - Understanding the relationship between form, function, and nature - Appreciating cultural symbolism in design - Recognizing art and science integration - Understanding how design affects human experience - Developing cultural appreciation and respect - Building community identity and pride

---

#### **C. Ecological Integration Initiative**

**Description:** The design and implementation of living structures specifically created to enhance biodiversity and support ecological function.

**Project Components:**

**Habitat Creation** - Designing living structures as wildlife habitats - Creating food sources and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other species - Monitoring biodiversity and ecological function - Research on habitat effectiveness and species attraction

**Ecological Corridors** - Connecting multiple Semiramis projects to create pathways for wildlife movement - Strengthening local ecosystem connectivity - Research on ecological corridor effectiveness

**Water Management** - Integrating living structures into sustainable water management systems - Using plants to filter and manage stormwater - Research on ecological water treatment

**Urban Greening** - Implementation of living structures in urban areas to improve ecosystem services - Enhanced air quality, temperature regulation, and aesthetic benefits - Research on urban ecology and quality of life

**Monitoring & Research** - Long-term data collection on ecological benefits - Scientific research on living structures as habitat - Publication of findings for academic and practitioner audiences - Open-source data for other practitioners

**Learning Outcomes:** - Understanding ecosystem services and ecological function - Appreciating biodiversity and habitat creation - Learning about long-term environmental stewardship - Developing skills in ecological monitoring and research - Understanding connections between human design and natural systems

---

#### **D. Educational Curriculum & Teacher Training**

**Description:** Comprehensive educational materials and teacher professional development supporting integration of Semiramis Together into formal and informal educational settings.

**Curriculum Development:** - **K-5 Curriculum** - Age-appropriate introduction to plants, growth, and design - **6-8 Curriculum** - Environmental science and basic design principles - **9-12 Curriculum** - Advanced ecology, architecture, and sustainability - **University Curriculum** - Seminars in sustainable design, architecture, and environmental studies - **Vocational Training** - Skills development for sustainable construction careers

**Teacher Professional Development:** - 2-3 day intensive workshops for educators - Online courses and webinars - Mentorship and ongoing support - Certification program for facilitators - Community of practice connecting educators

**Classroom Integration:** - Lesson plans aligned with educational standards - Field trip resources and pre/post-visit activities - Hands-on experiments and demonstrations - Project-based learning templates - Assessment tools and rubrics

**Digital Resources:** - Video tutorials and demonstrations - 3D models and simulations - Photo galleries and case studies - Interactive design tools - Community discussion platforms

**Learning Outcomes:** - Teachers develop competence in sustainability education - Educators gain practical skills to guide student projects - Schools integrate sustainability across curricula - Students develop ecological literacy and design thinking - Educational system shifts toward environmental responsibility

---

#### **E. Semiramis Together Showcase Projects**

**Description:** Major, flagship projects in significant locations demonstrating the full vision of Semiramis Together while serving as educational hubs.

**Showcase Project 1: Europe - Sustainable Urban Garden** - Major living structure installation in a European city - Integration of multiple building techniques and symbolic forms - Educational hub for workshops and school visits - Research site for urban ecology

**Showcase Project 2: Mediterranean - Ecological Restoration** - Living structures supporting ecological restoration in a Mediterranean landscape - Partnership with local environmental organizations - Community involvement in design and construction - Research on ecological effectiveness

**Showcase Project 3: Africa - Cultural Heritage & Sustainability** - Large-scale project in Sub-Saharan Africa - Integration of local cultural traditions with sustainable design - Training hub for regional practitioners - Connection to Atlantis Together research in Mauritania

**Each Showcase Project:** - Becomes permanent or semi-permanent installation - Attracts thousands of visitors annually - Hosts regular educational programs and workshops - Serves as research site - Documents and shares knowledge openly

---

## INTEGRATED LEARNING PATHWAYS: ATLANTIS + SEMIRAMIS

### **For K-8 Students:** 1. **Introduction (Ages 6-10):** Age-appropriate stories about Atlantis, exploration of geography and nature, simple gardening and building projects 2. **Engagement (Ages 11-14):** Documentary viewing, geological activities, hands-on Semiramis workshops, critical thinking about myths and evidence

### **For Secondary Students (Ages 14-18):** 1. **History & Science:** In-depth study of Atlantis mythology, geological research, archaeological methods 2. **Hands-On Design:** Participating in Semiramis workshop projects, designing own sustainable structures 3. **Research & Inquiry:** Citizen science participation, individual research projects, connecting past to present 4. **Leadership:** Mentoring younger students, facilitating workshops, developing own projects

### **For Educators:** - Professional development in integrating history, geology, and sustainability - Curriculum resources spanning sciences, social studies, and arts - Training in facilitation of experiential learning - Access to documentary and research materials

### **For Community Members & Lifelong Learners:** - Documentary series and online content - Community workshops and events - Volunteer opportunities in project implementation - Public exhibitions and installations

---

## EVALUATION & IMPACT METRICS

### **Learning Outcomes:** - Pre- and post-assessment of knowledge gains in geology, history, and environmental science - Development of critical thinking and inquiry skills - Understanding of connections between past, present, and future - Behavioral indicators (conservation practices, career interests, community engagement)

### **Reach & Scale (12-24 months):** - **Direct Participants:** 25,000+ through workshops and classes - **Documentary Viewers:** 500,000+ through streaming and television - **School Integration:** 100+ schools using curriculum materials - **Online Community:** 50,000+ registered users on learning platform - **Geographic Reach:** Implementation across multiple continents and diverse communities

### **Institutional Integration:** - Number of schools integrating content into curriculum - University partnerships and course integrations - Museum and cultural institution partnerships - Educator adoption and training

### **Community & Environmental Impact:** - Symbolic structures and living installations created - Biodiversity enhancement measured at project sites - Community engagement and satisfaction - Cultural integration and local ownership

### **Quality & Depth:** - Student project quality and creativity - Depth of participant engagement and learning - Educator and facilitator competence and satisfaction - Research publications and knowledge contribution

---

## BUDGET NARRATIVE

The requested funding will support:

1. **Atlantis Together** - Documentary production (cinematography, editing, expert fees): €150,000 - Research and field expeditions: €80,000 - Educational platform development: €60,000 - Curriculum creation and materials: €40,000 - Mobile workshops and community programs: €50,000 - Teacher professional development: €20,000

2. **Semiramis Together** - Workshop development and materials: €50,000 - Showcase project design and implementation: €150,000 - Educational curriculum development: €40,000 - Teacher training program: €30,000 - Research and monitoring: €40,000 - Platform and digital resources: €30,000

3. **Cross-Project Components** - Evaluation and research: €50,000 - Community partnerships and engagement: €30,000 - Project management and coordination: €40,000 - Contingency (10%): €80,000

**Total Budget: €870,000 over 24 months**

---

## TIMELINE (24-MONTH IMPLEMENTATION)

### **Months 1-3: Planning & Development** - Finalize educational curricula - Begin documentary pre-production - Establish partnerships with schools and institutions - Recruit facilitators and educators

### **Months 4-6: Launch Phase** - Release first documentary episodes - Launch educational platform beta - Begin Semiramis workshops in 3 pilot locations - Start teacher professional development programs

### **Months 7-12: Expansion Phase** - Release remaining documentary episodes - Scale workshops to 10+ locations - Showcase Project 1 construction and public launch - Expand educator network to 50+ teachers

### **Months 13-18: Growth Phase** - Full platform launch with robust features - Launch Showcase Project 2 - Expand to 20+ workshop locations - Reach 15,000+ direct participants

### **Months 19-24: Consolidation & Sustainability** - Launch Showcase Project 3 - Establish self-sustaining models for continuation - Comprehensive evaluation and impact documentation - Planning for Year 2 and beyond expansion

---

## SUSTAINABILITY & LEGACY

**Long-Term Vision:**

Atlantis Together and Semiramis Together are designed to create lasting educational and environmental impact:

1. **Embedded in Educational Systems:** Curriculum materials become standard resources in schools worldwide 2. **Self-Sustaining Workshops:** Training facilitators who generate income and provide ongoing programs 3. **Permanent Installations:** Showcase projects continue to educate and inspire indefinitely 4. **Open Knowledge:** All materials, research, and methodologies shared openly with global community 5. **Research Contribution:** Ongoing research contributes to scientific knowledge and educational practice

**Contribution to Global Goals:** - **SDG 4 (Quality Education):** Innovative educational approaches reaching diverse learners - **SDG 13 (Climate Action):** Environmental education and sustainable design solutions - **SDG 15 (Life on Land):** Biodiversity enhancement and ecological restoration - **SDG 17 (Partnerships):** International collaboration and knowledge sharing

---

## CONCLUSION

Atlantis Together and Semiramis Together represent a transformative approach to learning that honors National Geographic's legacy of exploration while equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to build sustainable futures.

By connecting past and future—exploring what we can learn from history while building toward ecological sustainability—we help learners see themselves as part of humanity's ongoing story. This is learning that cultivates curiosity, critical thinking, and agency. This is learning that changes how people understand the world and their role in it.

We invite National Geographic to partner in this vision of educational transformation.

---

## CONTACT INFORMATION

**Project Lead:** [Your Name] **Organization:** [Your Organization] **Email:** [Your Email] **Phone:** [Your Phone] **Website:** [Your Website]

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