Describes field techniques related to inventory of neighborhood housing quality which can be used in undergraduate geography courses to help students increase their awareness of microscale variations in the urban/suburban landscape. Housing conditions in inner-city Sacramento are used as a case study. (Author/DB)

Reviews and evaluates a selection of influential geography textbooks on East Asia and China. The 11 textbooks are ranked in 20 categories for the purpose of facilitating textbook selection and helping instructors evaluate the texts they are currently using. Specific strengths and weaknesses of each text are identified. (Author/DB)

Notes the various and evolving definitions of the term "frontier" as it applies to border regions, advance settlements, and developing areas. Traces the idea of frontier back to its original meaning, provides a critical perspective on experiments for redefinitions of frontiers, and draws some conclusions from these redefinitions. (MJP)

Compares "old" geography curriculum with "new" geography curriculum proposed by National Geographic Society and based on five geographic themes. Examines new course as both geography course and as subject in the general education curriculum. Noting the marginal value and limitations of the new geography, recommends that the…

Identifies the problem of geographic literacy. Suggests the integration of geography instruction with other subject areas of the curriculum. Provides an annotated bibliography of fictional children's literature that can be utilized to teach geographic concepts. Presents methods of integration and classroom activities on geography. (RW)

Presents a classroom exercise entitled, "Latitude, Longitude, Spell It" designed to reinforce the concepts of latitude and longitude. Teachers divide the class into teams, provide them with a map and latitude-longitude coordinate cards, and ask them to record cities found within a given radius of each coordinate. Includes necessary…

Explains a way to introduce geographic concepts concerning the Great Plains through nineteenth-century folksongs. Folksongs relate what is geomorphologically true and reveal values and attitudes that are true for the region and time. A geographic understanding includes both the human and physical aspects of the region. (GG)

Discusses how questions dealing with location and place are important to the process of geographic inquiry. Argues that understanding the fundamentals of location and place is necessary to understanding the geographic and historical factors that interact at any place. Emphasizes that location is useful in understanding global relationships. (KO)

Presents a role playing lesson on Meriweather Lewis and George Rogers Clark's exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. Emphasizes integration of the five fundamental themes of geography: location, place, human environment interactions, movement, and regions. Suggests evaluation procedures, extension lessons, and materials and resources. Calls upon…

Describes a doctoral student's experiences on a trip to Turkey. Discusses the Southeast Anatolia Project involving dam building on the headwaters of the Euphrates to provide electricity and irrigation. Suggests the experience as an example demonstration of complexities of human and environmental interaction and other themes of geography. (DK)

The Olympic games can help motivate students to learn geography. The article offers a geography decathlon with 10 events to help students build map skills, multicultural awareness, and cooperative spirit. Each event covers at least one of the five fundamental geographic themes (location, place, regions, human/environment interactions, and…

Recommends the use of concealed images as tools for teaching geography. Suggests that images be used as examples of geographers' search for spatial regularities, metaphors for the quasi-religious quest for scientific truth, and fallibility of scientific citation. Argues that the purpose of geography becomes palpable to students when the concealed…

Addresses causes and significance of geographic illiteracy among U. S. students. Defines geographic literacy as a holistic view of the earth. Identifies the five themes for geographic education and makes suggestions for preservice teacher education. Provides organizations promoting geographic literacy and lists state requirements for graduation.…

Describes ways to integrate geography into the curriculum of primary and intermediate grades. Suggests hands-on activities for teaching abstract concepts through concrete experiences. Includes two units: creating a global map of the earth and incorporating social studies into language arts and mathematics by using magnet cars on maps. (NL)

Identifies the problems maps pose for children. Provides a lesson plan designed to help first grade students understand maps through a study of lakes and rivers. Asks students to identify bodies of water on a globe and then build a model of a lake or river. Includes instructions for making a model. (RW)