This teaching guide offers educators glimpses into the value of remote sensing, the process of observing and analyzing the earth from a distance. Remote sensing provides information in forms to see spatial patterns over large areas in a more realistic way than thematic maps and allows a macro-scale look at global problems. The six instructional…

This lesson plan is intended to be a model for teaching the geography of any area of the world. The unit attempts to teach the five themes of geography (location, place, region, human-environment interaction, and movement) while also teaching the geography of Asia and India. The volume also recommends that teachers canvas magazines, travel…

This guide seeks to provide a closer look at the diversity found within central Texas and the borderlands and offers a good general background to understanding some of the challenges facing the region. The book is divided into two parts with articles and lesson plans written by several authors. Part 1, "Views and Viewpoints," includes:…

Cites reports pointing to a lack of geographical literacy in the United States. Provides a lesson plan on the identification of countries in the Middle East, utilizing repetitive drill and mnemonic devices. Describes this activity as one way of helping students remember place-name geography facts. (RW)

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…

An examination of five social studies textbook series for grades one through four reveals a lack of consistent application of geographic concepts from publisher to publisher as well as a lack of reinforcement of previous learning within the individual series. This disjointed presentation of textbook materials contributes to a disjointed learning…

The study of geography should not be tedious or boring for students. There are many activities to motivate students while teaching them place location and geographical information. This document describes three activities or games that can be adapted for grades 4-8. "Mappits" requires students (individually or in teams) to determine the state or…

Presents an instructional activity which can be used to introduce teachers to the five basic themes of geography, or to help intermediate or secondary students relate geography to their lives. The material can be used in several variations and is organized around the five concepts of location, place, relationships within places, movement, and…

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)

Maintains that children love books, and through carefully selected books, geographic concepts can be taught. Explains how children's literature encourages geographic thinking, builds geographic skills, and develops lasting mental maps of places and regions. Discusses 14 suggested books. (CFR)

Asserts that travelers' diaries are excellent primary sources that can be used to teach geography. Maintains that state historical societies and local archives are good sources for these documents. Includes lengthy excerpts from two diaries and a student worksheet. (CFR)

Describes an interdisciplinary project incorporating both geography and mathematics for fourth and fifth grade students. Focuses on reading a map with lines of latitude and longitude, learning about climatic regions, and using statistical measures to analyze data. Suggests additional activities to accompany the project. (CMK)

Asserts that children's literature is a natural vehicle for developing geographic literacy. Discusses instructional techniques for teaching geographic concepts using children's books. Offers an annotated bibliography of 14 books, including a story summary, the geographic setting, and recommended grade level. (CFR)

Suggests a social studies unit on escaping geography. Examines escape from dangerous places including an airliner, hotel fire, or war zone or from a social situation such as a boring speech or party. Describes historic escapes such as the Underground Railroad and the Berlin Wall. Lists learning strategies such as awareness of space and cognitive…

Contends that primary teachers have an opportunity to teach basic geographic knowledge while they teach social and academic skills. Discusses how primary teachers can identify geographic concepts present in the developmentally appropriate activities currently being used in the classroom. (CFR)