Reviews issues related to soil erosion and soil loss tolerance in the United States. Describes an instructional plan in which students estimate soil loses in three geographical regions using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). Recommends integrating the geography of soil erosion with broader conceptual questions in physical geography. (CFR)

Presents suggestions for creating successful web-based activities in the geography classroom: (1) write clear, simple instructions; (2) consider how and when students will conduct the exercise; (3) have a backup plan; (4) expect late assignments; and (5) counter distractions. Provides a table with potential activities for physical geography and an…

In environmental science education, learners are exposed to earth phenomena that occur across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. However, it is challenging for learners to grasp the significance of spatial and temporal change because they have limited perspectives of the Earth. Within the scientific community, remotely sensed imagery is…

Discusses shortcomings of conventional maps and examines how to transform map geography to provide more functional cartographic illustrations. (Author/DB)

Summarizes methods from a high school geography class that used examples from local geography to teach basic geographic concepts. Maintains that these illustrative examples can be used even in courses where the content is not local geography. Provides examples of local landscapes illustrating concepts applicable to the Brazilian rain forest. (MJP)

Describes a lesson plan for use in physical geography, earth science, and social studies classes. Suggests that students will find the problem solving approach interesting and will use knowledge of earth-sun relationships, absolute location, and place. Includes objectives, two days of learning activities, evaluations, resources, and an activity…

Maintains that the concept of scale is fundamental to geography, yet the definitions for scale and other spatial terms are confusing to researchers in other spatial science disciplines. Provides a terminology of scale that can be used for a multidisciplinary lexicon of accepted scaling terms. (CFR)

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…

Maintains that growing grapes for winemaking has increased dramatically in the United States. Describes a college class assignment in which students analyzed climate and soil type to identify appropriate viticulture areas. Reports high student interest in the assignment and includes four figures illustrating the approach. (CFR)

Employs weather forecasting contests as a strategy for teaching about the weather, climate, and atmosphere. States that competency in understanding concepts and the ability to develop logical constructs about atmospheric processes are enhanced. Includes suggestions for teaching weather forecasting at all grade levels, and describes a contest at…

Reprints a 1904 article from the "Journal of Geography" exploring geography's teaching focus. Argued for unchanged emphasis on the land and its people but advocated a deeper geographical interpretation of history. Contended that teaching should pay attention to scientific interpretation, and that children should discover a self-constructed…

Emphasizes the use of geophysical hazard maps and illustrates how they can be used in the classroom from kindergarten to college level. Depicts ways that hazard maps of floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, and multi-hazards can be integrated into classroom instruction. Tells how maps may be obtained. (SLM)

Reprints an article from a 1964 "Journal of Geography" that defined the four traditions of geography. Proposed a basic nomenclature with associated ideas to confront the pluralism inherent in geographic thought. Claimed that the four traditions offered a pluralistic basis to maintain an alliance between professional geography and pedagogical…

Today two opportunities are open to geography educators. First they must respond to the new opportunity to return geography to a place in the preparation of business students. Second, geography educators must take advantage of the current interest in international understanding and global education. New courses and textbooks are needed. (RM)