This paper provides an outline of an evaluation schema designed to measure geographic concepts. A concept is summarized as a category of experiences defined by a rule and having a name, criterial attributes, and exemplars. Minimal requirements for such a schema are that it should measure the mastery of the rule, attributes, name, and exemplar…

The geography of education is a field which is generally neglected by geographers, despite the large number involved in education. This paper offers a conceptual framework for such studies emphasizing educational planning. Within the area of human geography are at least three possibilities for the geography of education: the geographical…

This set of curriculum modules contains geography learning activities that emphasize strategies to encourage young women in geography and social studies classes. Compiled in an effort to improve the motivation and achievement levels of students in geography classrooms, grades 7-11, the modules aim to boost academic performance and overall interest…

Compares "old" geography curriculum with "new" geography curriculum proposed by National Geographic Society and based on five geographic themes. Examines new course as both geography course and as subject in the general education curriculum. Noting the marginal value and limitations of the new geography, recommends that the…

Presents a classroom exercise entitled, "Latitude, Longitude, Spell It" designed to reinforce the concepts of latitude and longitude. Teachers divide the class into teams, provide them with a map and latitude-longitude coordinate cards, and ask them to record cities found within a given radius of each coordinate. Includes necessary…

Identifies the problems maps pose for children. Provides a lesson plan designed to help first grade students understand maps through a study of lakes and rivers. Asks students to identify bodies of water on a globe and then build a model of a lake or river. Includes instructions for making a model. (RW)

Asserts that writing a critical atlas review is often a requirement for cartography courses because it forces students to think analytically about cartographic presentation and theory. Presents a choropleth map review exercise that can be used as an alternative to the atlas review or as an independent instructional activity. (CFR)

Believes that the current geography curriculum in New Zealand needs to be reevaluated in order to maintain geography's relevance in the school curriculum. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the current curriculum and considers possible content for a new curriculum, such as field inquiry and global patterns and processes. (CMK)

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 report describes a practicum designed to integrate the five themes of geography into classrooms for elementary-school students through preservice teachers using experiential teaching techniques. The preservice teachers were provided with appropriate concepts and vocabulary through active experiences that they then used in their elementary…

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:…

In the face of widespread geographic ignorance, the article applauds the improved status of geography in the schools, describing it as the science best able to meet the challenge of ensuring that students' mental maps of the world are filled in with great and accurate detail. The field is defined through a multiple definition as both a physical…

This ERIC Trends Issues paper highlights the complementary qualities of geography and history and recommends the infusion of geography core themes into high school U.S. history courses. Part 1, "Rationale for Teaching Geography in American History," features information about: (1) overcoming the neglect of geography instruction; (2)…

Geography helps one understand the physical and cultural characteristics of the world. Geographic education provides the values, knowledge, concepts, and skills to better understand ourselves, our relationship to the earth, and our interdependence with other peoples of the world. There is a great need to increase the quantity and quality of…

A baseline geography skills test was administered during 1987 to over 3,000 students who were enrolled in freshmen geography courses at 18 Indiana universities. Known as the National Council for Geographic Education Competency-Based Geography Test, Secondary Level, Form D, this test was used to measure the students' level of geographic ability in:…