Six geography lessons which teach a global perspective to fifth graders are discussed. The lessons include examining maps made in countries other than the United States, brainstorming about another culture, taking an imaginary trip over a region just studied, participating in a simulation, and researching the making of a pencil. (RM)

Described is a unit of study entitled "Where Would I Like To Live?" that develops student insight into geographic relationships among the physical, cultural, and imaginary worlds. It is intended for use in an eighth-grade world geography course. (RM)

Intended to provide background for study and discussion, this publication gives updated information on development in sub-Saharan Africa and provides a basis for understanding U.S. policy toward this vital region. The strengths, problems, politics, natural resources, and language and ethnolinguistic groups of this area of the world and the…

Discusses methods of teaching world geography and culture through student involvement and describes lessons that teach students about Africa. One uses maps; one uses computer-assisted instruction; and one uses various resources to recreate an African school day. A sidebar by Janine Onffroy Shelley describes the use of telecommunications systems in…

Describes the first printed world map from 1472. Discusses the style development consisting of a circle of land surrounded by ocean and divided into three continents by water. Includes explanations of the ocean sea, continents, decorations, and locations, and the map's significance as a representation of a unified world view. (DK)

Explores the vital development of the Pacific Rim. Advocates integrating the study of this region into social studies curricula. Criticizes the Eurocentric bias that results in ignoring the Pacific Rim's geography, history, literature, and languages. Reports on social studies programs, primarily in Alaska schools, where study of the Pacific Rim…

These reports and lesson plans were developed by teachers and coordinators who traveled to Malaysia during the summer of 1995 as part of the U.S. Department of Education's Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program. Sections of the report include: (1) "Gender and Economics: Malaysia" (Mary C. Furlong); (2) "Malaysia: An Integrated,…

Briefly explains the 10 standard objective statements that characterize geography curriculum reform in China. The standards reflect a rigorous and scientific orientation incorporating mathematics, physics, geology, and demographics. No social education component is present. (MJP)

Profiles a third-/fourth-grade thematic unit developed to introduce students to contemporary global society and its economic and environmental interdependence. The unit simulates a trip to foreign countries and integrates mathematics, music, art, and language. Various assignments are included in the student's portfolio. (MJP)

Summarizes the recent changes in the highly centralized national geography curriculum in Japan. Prominent reforms include the implementation of environmental studies in the elementary schools and a broader emphasis, across the curriculum, on world geography. In teacher education, emphasis is now placed on teaching skills rather than subject…

Maintains that, although 18th-Century historians understand the significance of environmental influences, the concept of environmental history did not emerge until the mid-1900s. Discusses the influence of Earth Day, Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," and the landing of humans on the moon. (CFR)

Considers the various educational philosophies governing geography instruction in Argentina and places them in historical perspective. Contrasts the positivist and historicist approaches and discusses the current curriculum. Includes summaries of proposed changes in the curriculum emphasizing social education. (MJP)

Profiles the current geography curriculum in Australian schools and discusses the policy decisions that resulted in its implementation. Australian geography education features a prominent social education component that emphasizes development, the environment, and other social issues. Includes several tables listing national curriculum goals and…

Introduces "What We Consume," a British curriculum package that examines the social use of nature, world economy, and environmental/political controversies. Explains that the package's goal is to develop students' critical awareness of environmental problems and willingness to initiate change. Outlines the curriculum's framework and…

Discusses the 1991 adoption of geography national standards in England and Wales and the subsequent 1995 revisions. The original standards reflected a conservative emphasis on physical geography as well as a complete rejection of problem solving and critical thinking. The 1995 revisions restored some key ideas and broad emphases. (MJP)