In shifting emphasis from accumulation of facts to methods of investigation and cognitive skills, the concept of ecosystem is a powerful organizing principle for geography. The connectivity of all things in an environment, the flow of energy through the system are stressed. The use of ecosystem as a framework for inquiry in the classroom is…

Modern Western philosophy and the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead reveal why geography has not been (but could be) at the forefront of the environmental movement. The dualism between man and nature of western thought has led to misuse of the environment; whereas Whitehead's philosophy recognizes harmony between man and nature. (JR)

This resource paper on the interrelations between man and the environment is part of a series designed to supplement undergraduate geography courses. It outlines an approach to man-environment problems. Chapter one describes how an environmental perspective relates to the study of human geography. Chapter two describes the main transactions…

This document contains the proceedings from the London conference on geography and environmental education sponsored by the International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission on Geographical Education. Papers include: (1) "The Ecocitizen: A Challenge to Environmental and Geographical Education" (Haubrich, Hartwig); (2) "Learning To…

Presents the results and conclusions of a survey of (1) the course offerings in the earth sciences and geography of 100 colleges, and (2) the certification requirements of geography teachers in the 50 states. A study of college freshmen revealed widespread ignorance of geographic concepts. The authors stress the need for better teacher education…

Strategies are presented in this monograph for dealing with the interface of geography and education, and for providing a focus on human values and sensitivity. Factors contributing to a concern over environmental awareness are discussed. Geographic educators--teachers, supervisors, or administrators--can use this aid in handling values and the…

This paper is part of a larger study, conducted as part of a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship research project, "A Comparative Geography of Three Ecologically Similar Regions." The study compared the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland with the Murray River region of South Australia and the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. The project was…

This paper shows comparisons among the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, the Murray River region of South Australia, and the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. Through comparative geography, students are to draw their own conclusions about the similarities and differences of the three regions. Teachers are encouraged to use other resources to aid…

Provides a lesson plan on the geographic and civic aspects of municipal wastes. Offers action activities for students. Maintains that students will become familiar with the geographic, moral, and political features of municipal waste disposal. (RW)

Selects and annotates 25 documents and articles on geography education from the ERIC database. Provides information about accessing and ordering materials. Items include surveys of geographic knowledge, suggested classroom activities, and discussion of geography's place in the social studies curriculum. (CH)

This unit is designed for students in grades 7-12 and can be adapted for individual settings. The unit provides student-centered instruction in geography through content specific teaching strategies. The unit is divided into five sections with lessons in each section. Sections include: (1) "Basic Perspectives"; (2) "Cultural Perspectives"; (3)…

Designed to accompany the 1994 "Geography for Life: National Standards for Geography," this supplement aims to provide teachers of American Indian students with useful ideas for classroom geography instruction. To facilitate teacher use in conjunction with the national standards document itself, the supplement follows the same format,…

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)

Describes a teaching experience in which a unit on environmental issues was added to a college-level human geography course. Asserts that environmental topics are not well-integrated into most geography courses. Concludes that the students enjoyed the experience but suggested that the environmental topics be integrated throughout the entire course…

This collection of essays, devoted to geographic research on environmental education, is part of the Commission on College Geography's publication program. Twelve essays comprise the publication, capturing the breadth and depth of geography's past and potential contributions to environmental education. This document is designed to enhance the…