Shifting to an inquiry-based practice can be challenging. How should teachers get started? How many times should teachers plan for inquiry? What do teachers do when students struggle with inquiry? How long does it take for students to buy in to the inquiry process? These kinds of questions, and the concerns that underlie them, can create an…

People often think that ideas about mapping and culture are too difficult and abstract for kindergarten students, let alone English Language Learners (ELLs). This article however describes how a preservice teacher taught a three day unit in geography to her students based upon places they or their family members had visited. Many of the students…

Display boards and wall maps, created by a teacher or designed by a company, are a common sight in most elementary classrooms, but students usually have a rather limited role in constructing these materials. The main objective of this article is to describe some techniques for encouraging students to create social studies displays that can serve…

Every map depicts both objective realities and subjective elements and is a rich resource for studying the geographic knowledge and values of mapmakers and their societies. This paper considers cognitive mapping research and describes how world maps reflect world images. Cognitive mapping is defined as a process that allows people to acquire,…

This paper addresses issues related to the development of geographic literacy by describing, explaining, and discussing these issues as they relate to the current reform movement in the teaching of geography. Emphasis is placed on how this information relates to students with learning disabilities. The paper emphasizes the importance of effective…

Accused of harboring and supporting terrorists, Saddam Hussein's country of Iraq sits at the top of a short list of targets in United States war on terrorism. Iraq is a country about twice the size of the state of Idaho with a population of over 22 million. The country relies on oil for its economic well-being and controls what some estimate to be…

Real-life expeditions to several regions of the world, offered online by GlobaLearn, Inc., provide social and cultural connections, along with curricular materials that help teachers engage students in active inquiry. Through the eyes of real explorers making actual expeditions, students can discover and become familiar with people and places…

Offers the reflections of a teacher who is retiring in the year 2015 after a 40 year teaching career. Focuses on the role technology had on the changes she experienced as a teacher. Discusses different forms of technology, such as visualization software and Geographic Information Systems, and the role of a teacher. (CMK)

Many Web sites are useful in helping answer reference questions in geography and international studies. This paper describes Web sites which provide maps, gazetteers, and country information. Also included are Web guides which collect and organize numerous links to geographical and international sites. (Author)

Describes a world geography unit for eighth-grade students which focuses on environmental hazards to demonstrate how interest in disasters and catastrophes can provide a springboard for general global inquiry. Benefits of this teaching method and usefulness to both teachers and students of studying about such events are also discussed. (MBR)

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,…

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…

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)