Provides activities to encourage classroom play that helps preschool children learn more about place, including where they are at a particular time and how they move from one location to another. Includes separate lists of activities for children ages 2-3, 3-4, and 4 and older. (JPB)

Often students are naive or have misconceptions regarding physical geography because of little or no exposure to the discipline; therefore it might be beneficial to relate content to their other experiences and interests. Students have an interest in some type of music, and by tapping into this, students can further explore geographic concepts.…

Describes an international dialogue project based at the University of Lund, Sweden. The project amassed over 100 video-taped interviews with academics in geography and related fields. The tapes have potential for teachers wishing to explore the oral history of geography, the role of language and social structures in shaping research, and cultural…

Crime is a sufficiently constant and significant problem to warrant treatment in human geography courses at the high school and college levels. Issues in crime and justice are explored from a geographical perspective, a model of geographical elements in criminal justice systems is outlined and instructional applications are discussed. (RM)

A seven-lesson unit was developed to improve school map knowledge and practical map skills in primary children. The unit activities can also be modified for kindergarten children. (Author/AM)

Outlines the history, use, and value of simulations (role play, operational games, and individual exercises) in geography instruction. The author stresses that, while simulations improve student motivation and increase interest in concepts, their effectiveness depends on proper integration into course curricula. (AM)

Designates steps to be taken at all stages of the map production process from planning to printing. Pointers include making sure that the map is essential rather than purely decorative; considering the audience for whom the map is intended; determining the primary message that the map is intended to convey; and considering the dimensions of the…

Discusses changes in the location of manufacturing in the United States during the middle part of the 20th century and explains how investigation of these trends can be used in geography courses and in geography research. Findings from the study of industrial location indicated that industries became less concentrated from 1940 to 1977. (DB)

Suggests a way to resolve conflicts among college level teachers of geography regarding what should be taught in introductory human geography courses. The method centers on a list of core concepts which could be taught in all sections of the course. Concepts, selected through analysis of commonly used textbooks, include agriculture, industry, land…

Discusses a study to investigate student images of and attitudes toward geography instruction in 15 Nebraska high schools. Statistical analysis of 30 statements relating to geography indicated that the majority of students held positive opinions about the discipline's usefulness and its importance as a high school subject. (Author/DB)

Details the rationale, evaluation and implementation of use scenarios-structured narrative descriptions of envisioned system use-in the development of the Alexandria Digital Earth Prototype (ADEPT). Discusses the strengths of the scenario approach, obstacles to their use, and lessons learned in the overall development process. (Author/AEF)

Suggests the essential characteristics of the five fundamental themes of geography and provides related learning activities for elementary grades. States that use of these complementary and overlapping themes will result in balanced and comprehensive geographic instruction. (LS)

Describes the 1988 adoption of the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) by the Georgia Board of Education. Discusses the QCC's role in defining and developing the study of geography within the social studies curriculum. Identifies and analyzes four as essential elements in a social studies program: knowledge, skills, attitudes/values, and social…

Suggests that geographers can serve their communities as Boy Scout merit badge counselors. Identifies several merit badge projects that are closely related to geography topics. Discusses projects involving (1) environmental science; (2) geology; (3) oceanography; (4) orienteering; (5) weather; (6) U.S. cultures; (7) community citizenship; and (8)…

Discusses the teaching of geographic concepts through the use of childrens books. Suggests following up the books with a geographically focused activity to increase children's geographic awareness and knowledge. Includes an extensive annotated bibliography. Links specific books to the geographic themes of place, location, movement, regions, and…