Discusses the commonly held misconceptions that north is up and south is down. Offers suggestions for ways teachers can reinforce correct directional concepts. (JMB)

The paper reviews the 18 National Geography Standards developed in 1994. The Standards are grouped under the organizers of: (1) The World in Spatial Terms; (2) Places and Regions; (3) Physical Systems; (4) Human Systems; (5) Environment and Society; and (6) The Uses of Geography. One hundred activities for the elementary classroom with each…

Four geographic concepts can be used for an in-depth study of the community: spatial tradition, area studies tradition, man-land tradition, and earth-science tradition. (Author/JR)

Presents a series of five short stories for children that incorporate geographic concepts. Includes the concepts of region, boundaries, and grids. Suggests that the stories will help children master challenging concepts and vocabulary that in turn will increase their knowledge and self-esteem. (DK)

Suggests that creating, sharing, telling, and responding to stories fulfill many social, emotional, and psychological as well as intellectual needs. Suggests that investigating and communicating about young children's growing awareness of the world through fieldwork, map work, questioning and decision making underpins geographical activity. (RS)

This pamphlet suggests ways in which families and caregivers can work with children to help them learn more about the world in which we live. The pamphlet is intended to help children expand their awareness of the world around them. The article explains why it is important to learn geography, relates how a parent or caregiver can help in the…

Presents an analysis of the development of the basic themes of geography (location, place, relationships, movement, and regions) by selected southwestern Pennsylvania public schools. Concludes that students in grades three through six are most often exposed to the location theme and that sixth graders have the greatest overall exposure to all five…

This paper presents a view of the acknowledged lack of geographic knowledge exhibited by U.S. students. This view is grounded in the definition of geography that is developed through five themes: location, place, relationship within places, movement, and regions. According to this view, only a very small, usually trivial, part of geography…

A conceptual geography unit was taught in 17 kindergarten classes to 307 students. Multivaried analysis of pretest/post-test achievement showed that race and socioeconomic status were significant pupil variables while sex and pretest score were not. Teacher experience with the unit and teacher perception of appropriateness were significant while…

Mathematical concepts presented within disciplines outside mathematics are either assumed to be already familiar to the students, or else, they are regarded as being peripheral to the appreciation of the content of the nonmathematical lesson. Because it is routinely included without regard for possible students' interpretations, the mathematical…

Provides a brief overview of current geographic ideas regarding continental drift and plate tectonics and suggests techniques for illustrating continental motions to elementary school pupils. (Author/DB)

This learning packet presents geography units designed for self-directed study use by students in grades K-8. Instructions are given regarding how to use the materials. The five themes of geography provide a framework for analyzing questions about a place, how that place came to be the way it is, and how the place effects the people living there.…

Three series of eight fifteen-minute programs were made with conceptual and process orientation. Data was presented and open questions asked, but not answered. New ways of using traditional materials were demonstrated, as was the adaptability of television to non-expository teaching. (NH)

Three series of eight fifteen-minute programs each were made conceptual and process oriented. Data was presented and divergent questions asked about it, but not answered. New ways of using traditional materials were demonstrated as was the adaptability of TV to non-expository teaching. (NH)

A seven-lesson unit was developed to improve school map knowledge and practical map skills in primary children. The unit activities can also be modified for kindergarten children. (Author/AM)