Eight professional geography research papers presented at the Geography Section of the Ohio Academy of Science annual 1975 meeting are provided. The papers examine various aspects of the environment, energy distribution, cultural and geographic change, and ethnic distribution. The titles of the eight papers are (1) Racial and Ethnic Redistribution…

This resource paper on geographical theories of urban location is part of a series designed to supplement undergraduate geography courses. The basic reasons for a city are to be found in the activities it performs in a specialized society and the clustering of residences of workers employed in these activities. The city, therefore, remains a…

This technical report describes a digital computer program on the spatial structure of agricultural production and how it can be used in economic geography courses. Chapters one through four, respectively, (1) examine the use of digital computers in the teaching of college geography, (2) analyze the von Thunen theory which postulates laws that…

Uses the example of a trail near Lancashire in Northern England to explore the educational values of rural trails. Maintains that studying trails can enhance the appreciation and teaching of conceptual matters as well as develop students' skills for informed observation and interpretation of field evidence. Includes an area map. (MJP)

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)

Suggests that feature films produced in developing nations can serve as an aid to geographic instruction because they visually represent conditions of daily life. Uses two films, "Salaam Bombay" and "Sugar Cane Alley," to illustrate geographic understanding. Appendices include information on film distributors, background…

Maintains that misperceptions or incorrect mental images about relative location and size are common in geography. Reports on a study of 708 students ranging in age from junior high school through undergraduate school. Finds that misperceptions are widespread and exist across grade levels. (CFR)

Reports that students who might be bored or intimidated by economic geographic theory become enthusiastic when they can apply it to their own experiences. Describes a class project involving fieldwork and in-class analysis on delineating the retail trade area of a small Ohio city. Includes three maps and mathematical formulae for data analysis.…

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 resource paper on urban geography is part of a series designed to supplement undergraduate geography courses. It sets forth some of the principles of urban geography with special reference to form development and land uses within cities. Chapter one examines the legal, administrative, population, dentistry, and functional definitions of a…

This resource paper on economic geography is part of a series designed to supplement undergraduate geography courses. It interprets regional economic development in terms of geographic spatial patterns of production, income, and physical or economic distance. Chapter two outlines some selected characteristics of spatial disparities of economic…

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…

Eleven position papers, prepared by the staff and guest lecturers of the Summer Institute on Approaches to Introductory College Geography Courses, focus on the purpose, nature, scope, structure, processes, content, and key concepts to be emphasized in introductory college geography courses. Since each lecturer presented his point of view, the…

Maintains that philosophical concepts in geography are widely regarded as an important element in geography degrees, yet students have problems understanding them. Describes how a large lecture course was modified to promote understanding by increasing interaction between lecturer and student. (CFR)

Uses the National Council for Geographic Education Competency-Based Geography Test to measure the 1987 level of geographic ability of more than 3,000 students enrolled in introductory classes at 18 Indiana institutions of higher education. Study provides a baseline level of geographic knowledge for future comparisons. Measures impact of gender,…