Relates how a blunder about the Arctic Ocean and the polar ice cap made by the author in his first year of teaching led to a successful learning experience. Lists five important discussion topics that social studies teachers should use to teach about this remote, but strategic, part of the world. (LS)

This social studies unit of study will help high school students learn about the geography of South Africa. Such a geographic background is necessary if students are to learn about apartheid, South Africa's system of racial domination. (RM)

Australia is the world's driest continent. One-third of the country's area is unsuitable for any land use, while another third is suitable only for cattle and sheep grazing. Australia's physical geography, weather conditions, wildflowers, and wildlife are discussed. (RM)

This set of lessons uses the six essential standards of "Geography for Life" as a basis. At least one lesson is provided for each standard and linked to one or more of the five fundamental themes of geography. At the end of each section is also a special active teaching feature to help students further focus on the concepts presented. The lessons…

The North American prairie ecosystem is unique. Comprised of tall grass, mixed grass, and shortgrass communities, the acreage this ecosystem once covered is incredible 400 million acres (pre-settlement times), accounting for 40% of North America's landscape. Prairies are home to a great diversity of animal life, such as cottontail rabbits,…

This curriculum unit requires students to use science, geography, and language arts skills in studying the weather. Students are asked to report on weather anomalies and are provided with background information, detailed instructions, online resources, and reflection questions. The teacher's guide describes the unit's purpose, correlation to…

This book offers an alternative to traditional upper elementary and middle school lesson plans, using 32 of the world's national parks as a springboard for activities. The activities in the book are divided into chapters that deal with particular topics of study: wildlife, plant life, geography, and geology. Includes step-by-step instructions that…

This curriculum packet about maps, with seven accompanying lessons, is appropriate for students in grades K-3. Students learn basic concepts for visualizing objects from different perspectives and how to understand and use maps. Lessons in the packet center on a story about a little girl, Nikki, who rides in a hot-air balloon that gives her, and…

This booklet provides an overview of interdisciplinary geography and supplies practical examples of how geography can be linked to other subjects. Because geography is included in new state high school graduation requirements, the subject is making a renaissance in the classroom. Teachers are finding new and exciting ways to integrate geography…

These materials constitute part of an active, interdisciplinary, place-based curriculum that introduces fourth and fifth grade students to the concept of landscape and heightens awareness of the relationship between landscape and people. This photo packet contains nine color photos of the Boston-area landscapes that students use with "Picture…

The mysterious darkness of Mammoth Cave in southwestern Kentucky, about 90 miles south of Louisville and 90 miles north of Nashville, has lured travelers to enter and warned them to stay away. From the dawn of time visitors have been awestruck by the cave's size and rugged beauty. This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places…

Designed to supplement and complement the Louisiana "World Geography Curriculum Guide: Bulletin 1727," this document contains 72 maps that can be used for instructing high school students. Two world maps are provided, along with regional map sets of: (1) Anglo-America; (2) Asia; (3) Africa and the Middle East; (4) Europe; (5) Latin…

As the United States approaches the bicentennial of the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition, it is critical to embark on a voyage of recovery to help restore the Missouri River to some of its original prominence and splendor. The mission of the Missouri River Project is to emphasize the role of the Missouri River in the physical…

This paper is part of a larger study, conducted as part of a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship research project, "A Comparative Geography of Three Ecologically Similar Regions." The study compared the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland with the Murray River region of South Australia and the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. The project was…

This paper shows comparisons among the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, the Murray River region of South Australia, and the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. Through comparative geography, students are to draw their own conclusions about the similarities and differences of the three regions. Teachers are encouraged to use other resources to aid…