Appalachia's New River was labeled "the second oldest river in the world" during the 1970s as part of a campaign to save the river from being dammed. Despite the absence of geomorphic evidence, the promotion of the superlative age of the river was so successful that they mythical label became reality in the minds of the region's…

Describes a learning activity involving correctly matching soils with environments. The activity is intended for use in college level physical geography courses. Information is presented on instructional objectives, outline of preparatory lectures, soil test exercise worksheets, procedures, laboratory setting, testing procedures, collecting and…

This article introduces the word "LAMPPOST" as a mnemonic device to aid in the instruction of climate variables. It provides instructors with a framework for discussing climate patterns that is based on eight variables: latitude, altitude, maritime influence and continentality, pressure systems, prevailing winds, ocean currents, storms, and…

Presents a procedure for calculating the compass direction and velocity of present plate motions at any geographical point of interest. Includes a table of the relative and geographic motion of the 11 largest plates and a flow chart for determining their present motion. Also offers suggestions for classroom instruction. (ML)

Rivers play a vital role in the life of the planet. They provide water for wildlife, plant life, and people, and they help to fertilize fields where corn and other crops grow. But how were these rivers made? This children's book takes readers/students on a journey down a river from its source at the top of a mountain to its mouth where it meets…

Discussed is the earth's gravity and its geological significance. Variations of gravity around the earth can be produced by a great variety of possible distributions of density within the earth. Topics discussed include isostasy, local structures, geological exploration, change of gravity in time, and gravity on the moon and planets. (DS)

This article features the Ultimate PE Challenge. The idea had been born when the fifth-grade teachers complained that teaching physical geography was boring, and the technology instructor simultaneously noticed a climbing wall in the gym. "Could physical education simulate the geographic characteristics and obstacles of North America?"…

The use of field classes and the need for university master planning are presented as a way to enhance learning. This field-oriented, goal-oriented approach to learning is proposed as a general model for university-level geographic education. This approach is presented for physical geography classes, but could also be applied to other subdivisions…

Reviews seismological studies that provide evidence of the existence of continental roots beneath the continents. Suggests, that through the collisions of plate tectonics, continents stabilized part of the mobile mantle rock beneath them to form deep roots. (ML)

Briefly sketches the origin and persistence of the Midwest as a physical, city-centered circulation and settlement system drawing from physical, cultural, economic, and applied specialties within geography. Illustrates the coherence of the specialties within a regional-historical framework with basic geographic/scientific problems of scale,…

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 a teacher-developed lesson for high school students dealing with the origin of the Hawaiian Islands. The lesson, which consists of six steps and a homework assignment, is designed for a single class period of 45 minutes. (RM)

Provides samples of photographs from the book "The Making of a Continent." Photographs, representing a geological feature on the earth's surface, are accompanied by diagrams illustrating how the features were formed. (JN)

A college course in the geography of agriculture presents a unique opportunity for an integrated study of economic, physical, and human geography. A teaching model which uses a systems analysis approach is presented. (RM)

Described is physical oceanography as analyzed by seven dependent variables, (three components of velocity, the pressure, density, temperature and salinity) as a function of three space variables and time. Topics discussed include the heat balance of the earth, current patterns in the ocean, heat transport, the air-sea interaction, and prospects…