Kites allow teachers to illustrate wind patterns by calling on past experience and by present demonstration. Features of the wind illustrated by kites--the effect of surface friction on wind speed, change of wind direction with elevation, gust and lull sequence, and atmospheric stability and turbulence type--are discussed. (SR)

Explores the value of Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi" for the middle-school geography classroom. Examines the genesis of the book, investigates the authenticity of Twain's experiences, analyzes the book's content, and suggests teaching strategies. Finds the detailed geographic observations in the book quite useful for the…

Environmental impact statements are informational documents representing a systematic study of long- and short-term relations between a proposed project and its environments (i.e. physical, social, economic, etc.), written for the layman, and easily adapted to the classroom for use in student research activities. (JR)

The national parks of the United States are widely known for their unique physical environments. Described are 10 sets of slides that will acquaint students with the parks' landforms and geologic processes. (RM)

Discusses the advantages of lecturing directly from the pages of the school atlas (a compendium of maps) in order to integrate it into introductory world regional geography courses. The approach includes a self-study atlas exercise and classroom lectures based on the school atlas. (Author)

Presents instructions for a class project to produce a raised relief map. Reports that students will learn to interpret elevations from contour lines, interpret map symbolization, realize that the area represented is a real area, and redefine the meaning of a map scale. Includes a list of materials needed and details of construction. (DK)

Recommends making choropleth maps as a fun and interesting way to teach geographic concepts. Choropleth maps represent data and ratios (population density, voter registration) and can be constructed easily. Includes suggested activities and representative maps. (MJP)

Outlines an exercise dealing with the geographic concept of regions. Suggests this activity as a means of relating theory to students' personal understanding of the world. Provides a lesson plan which helps students appreciate the concept of region as an analytic tool through a "hands-on" exercise. (KO)

Describes an economic development simulation in which student groups roleplay the leadership of a developing nation. Suggests a semester schedule and provides a number of student materials that include a map and a project participation rating check sheet. Describes information sources where materials may be obtained for further study. (KO)

Illustrates the importance of studying the snow avalanche as a natural hazard. Describes the various kinds of snow avalanches, the types of triggering mechanisms that produce them, the typical avalanche terrain, and the geomorphic and the vegetative evidence for snow avalanching. Depicts methods of human adjustment to the avalanche hazard.…

Highlights instructional materials provided in ERIC's "Resources in Education" (RIE) and "Current Index to Journals in Education" (CIJE) on human-environment interaction and individualized instruction in geography. Each of the seven documents or articles is accompanied by a brief description and a method for obtaining…

Suggests using classroom discussion as a tool in learning geographical concepts and critical thinking skills. Provides structure for preparing class discussion in small group environments. Considers direct student participation to increase the likelihood of long-term retention and interpersonal skills development. Presents an example of discussion…

An account of the evolution of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which set aside a major portion of the world's oceans as a common heritage of mankind, is presented. An examination of the Convention's precepts illustrates discussion questions for use with secondary or college students. (RM)

Because of increased recreational use of alpine environments in the western United States, this lesson plan integrates the themes of location, place, and human-environment interaction in order to teach avalanche hazard awareness. Presents classroom activities and research topics to enhance student awareness of snow avalanche hazards. Provides…

Maintains that, if national geography standards are effective, issues-based instructional materials are needed. Reports on a study of the use of 3 modules on environmental education by 480 secondary students in 18 schools. Finds that the students made significant cognitive and skill gains. (CFR)