The most common igneous minerals and their diagnostic properties, which the author considers the most significant and pragmatic aspect of igneous geology for physical geography students, are discussed. The nature of igneous geology is also examined. (RM)

The historical destinies of all nations have been strongly conditioned by their geographic setting and their natural environment. Intended as background information for teachers, geographical features of the USSR are discussed. (RM)

The synthesis of two approaches that can be used in teaching geomorphology is described. The equilibrium approach explains landforms and landform change in terms of equilibrium between landforms and controlling processes. The historical approach draws on climatic geomorphology to describe the effects of Quaternary climatic and tectonic events on…

Educators from around the state, with the help of The Vermont Institutes, developed Vermont History and Social Sciences Grade Cluster Expectations (GCEs) as a means to identify the content knowledge and skills expected of all students for local assessment required under Act 68. This work was accomplished using the "Vermont's Framework of…

Discusses ways in which planetary comparisons can be used to help give students a new perspective on earth's natural environment. Describes tectonism, volcanism, gradation, cratering, wind, and temperature as they are affected by different planetary conditions. Includes a chart comparing average surface temperatures and greenhouse warming of three…

Knowing place names is not the essence of geography, but some knowledge of names of geographical locations is widely considered to be basic information. Whether used in general cultural literacy, lighthearted Trivial Pursuit, educational sixth grade social studies, or serious debates on world events, place names and their locations are assumed to…

Describes a simulation to demonstrate the complex relationship between air temperature and relative humidity for college-level physical geography classes. (AM)

Offers suggestions for teaching high school students about the relevance of a nation's size, shape, and location to its geopolitical influence. Includes a map of and suggested teaching procedures concerning the hypothetical "Continent X" and its five component nations. Suggests follow-up topics. (SG)

Reports the experiences of a continuing education group of geographers crossing the Indian Ocean by ship. Describes the bizarre weather conditions encountered and the lack of meteorological coverage of the area. Explains how knowledge of basic physical geography helped to avert a disaster when weather reports did not match the conditions being…

NOAA polar-orbiting satellites have the capability of providing views of entire states. This article describes the characteristics of data from these satellites, indicates their advantages and disadvantages, and shows how the satellite data can be used in a statewide representation of physical geography for students at the introductory level. (RM)

Intended for use in introductory college-level physical geography courses, this self-guided field exercise involves students in searching their immediate environment for examples of fourth-order landforms that are replicas of large landforms. (RM)

Describes a learning activity involving correctly matching soils with environments. The activity is intended for use in college level physical geography courses. Information is presented on instructional objectives, outline of preparatory lectures, soil test exercise worksheets, procedures, laboratory setting, testing procedures, collecting and…

Presents a procedure for calculating the compass direction and velocity of present plate motions at any geographical point of interest. Includes a table of the relative and geographic motion of the 11 largest plates and a flow chart for determining their present motion. Also offers suggestions for classroom instruction. (ML)

The purpose of this article is to provide college level physical geography and geology teachers with practical and simple techniques to help students classify and understand igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Essential equipment is also discussed, and recommended readings are listed. (RM)

The Grand Canyon, the natural wonder visited most often in the United States, is explored on foot, on burro, and by boat in this article. Learn about the canyon's different rock layers as well as its erosion, plant life, animal life, and water flow. (JM)