Contends that, as Spain integrates into the European Economic Community, it is considered to be Europe's California. Asserts that making regional comparisons between California and Spain can be an effective teaching method. Provides comparisons in such areas as agriculture and tourism. (CFR)

Describes an integrated thematic unit for children from kindergarten to third grade. Explains that the unit incorporates reading, speaking, writing, science, mathematics, social studies, and art into the study of whales. Suggests learning activities on echolocation, migration, measurement, scrimshaw, history, and human interaction with the…

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…

Asserts that the power and prices of computers have changed dramatically in recent years. Reviews 10 approaches to using computers in geographic instruction. Includes a 10-item questionnaire to determine whether teachers are using computers effectively. (CFR)

Describes the background and implementation of "GeoSim," a multidisciplinary computer-based simulation used to teach introductory geography to college students. Discusses the four modules of the project. Maintains that "GeoSim" promotes interactive learning and outlines plans for Internet dissemination to geography educators.…

Analyzes John Wesley Powell's nineteenth-century survey of the U.S. intermountain west, and his subsequent report on the natural resources of the area based on both physical characteristics and cultural considerations. Discusses reactions to Powell's report. Maintains that the report is a useful classroom tool for illustrating the themes of…

Describes a learning module designed to teach students to evaluate maps and correct design errors through use of a critiquing checklist and real-world examples. The module attempts to develop an analytic holistic skill which relates the functional and aesthetic perspectives of cartography. (LS)

Discusses the challenges of teaching high school geography in a way that enables students to develop an informed, spatial view of the world. Discusses the High School Geography Project and its effect on geography instruction. Suggests a map drawing exercise for students to demonstrate the importance of mental maps. (DK)

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…

Provides a sequential set of instructions for creating a large playground map. Discusses the educational benefits of such a map, and suggests activities for using the map effectively. Stresses the usefulness of maps in teaching place identification, spatial patterns, and directional orientation. (RW)

Explains how a world civilization course at Butler University (Indiana) was significantly enhanced after a geographic perspective was used to introduce students to various cultures. Describes the units on China and pre-revolutionary Russia. Outcomes included a better understanding and appreciation for geography by both students and teachers. (GG)

Presents an allegory based on the development and dissemination of the National Geography Standards. Uses the allegory to introduce a series of articles dealing with the Standards. Suggests that geography teachers acquire and use the Standards, entitled "Geography for Life: National Geography Standards." (CFR)

Maintains that the National Geography Standards provide teachers with a geographic perspective that will help them teach improved geography content. Asserts that teachers can make connections between the Geography Standards and their own classrooms. Presents five suggested classroom activities based on the National Geography Standards. (CFR)

Presents lessons on geographic concepts concerning migration and population change. Suggests student analysis of census data. Focuses on the recent influx of Hispanic immigrants through concepts of assimilation, discrimination, and time decay. Observes that Hispanics, the oldest U.S. immigrant group, are presently viewed as the newest. Examines…

Describes the national geography standards, "Geography for Life," part of the Goals 2000 program. Asserts that the standards define the most important elements of geography content and instruction. Discusses innovative features of the standards and presents suggestions for using them. (CFR)