This report describes a program for improving student geographical skill components identified as place and orientation, cultural geography, economic geography, physical geography, and plants and animals. Middle school students in a middle class community in the midwest participated in the study. Three major categories of interventions were…

The usefulness of geography knowledge in a child's education is philosophically analyzed from two perspectives: (1) what geography knowledge should U.S. schools be teaching?; and (2) is there agreement about what types of geographical knowledge U.S. schools should teach? Only geographical knowledge that will be useful in life should be taught to…

This article contrasts the geography, history, customs, personality features, costumes, language, music, cooking, and way of life of Brittany and of Provence. The Bretons are Celtic peoples and speak a Celtic tongue, "Breton," while the people of Provence were assimilated into the society of their Roman conquerors and speak…

This booklet is designed to assist teachers in their use of overhead projectors when teaching geography. With the overhead technique, relationships among patterns can be suggested bit by bit on inexpensive, easily prepared overlays that are projected to sizes appropriate for a particular instructional situation. A general discussion of the…

The author recommends that social studies curricula include study of American maritime heritage. He describes aspects of the heritage, such as commercial trade and water sports; suggests topics for mini-units, such as marine careers; and presents an annotated bibliography of 56 resources for teaching about maritime activities. (AV)

The social studies standards for Arizona's students outlined in this guidebook include a study of the diverse contributions people of many backgrounds have made to U.S. life and institutions, and emphasize a shared heritage for citizens and residents of the United States. The standards require that students acquire both core knowledge and a firm…

Mammoth Cave (Kentucky) was designated as a national park in 1941 because of its beautiful hills and valleys, scenic rivers, and the vast cave system located within its boundaries. Outstanding physiographic features include karst terrains, sandstone capped plateaus, and bluffs overlooking rivers and streams, which provide an unusually wide variety…

Presents three physical geography lessons for teachers who may lack either formal training or resource materials in physical geography. The lessons are in response to the new Utah state requirements for junior high schools. Overviews each lesson, suggests activities, and lists materials needed each day. (KO)

Presents suggestions for creating successful web-based activities in the geography classroom: (1) write clear, simple instructions; (2) consider how and when students will conduct the exercise; (3) have a backup plan; (4) expect late assignments; and (5) counter distractions. Provides a table with potential activities for physical geography and an…

This textbook is designed to increase students' awareness of Japan. The study of Japan is worthwhile because Japan currently is and likely will continue to be one of the world's most important countries. U.S. knowledge of Japan is still quite limited compared to the level of understanding most Japanese exhibit about the United States. It is hoped…

This compilation of reprinted articles that originally appeared in the Journal of Geography from September 1969 through the May 1970 issues, is intended to help teachers use globes, maps, and photographs with skill and understanding. The articles were designed with several objectives in mind: 1) to provide information regarding the design,…

Discusses shortcomings of conventional maps and examines how to transform map geography to provide more functional cartographic illustrations. (Author/DB)

As an example of strategies that middle grade teachers can use to teach about a country using a standard textbook, a lesson on Canada is presented. The lesson is made up of four parts: geographic overview of Canada, identification and simplification of landscape, exploration and settlement, and elements of Canadian culture. (RM)

Discusses the importance of teaching geography, focusing on the multiple perspectives associated with a physical place. Provides suggestions for exploring these perspectives at the primary, intermediate, and high school levels in a geography-centered social studies classroom. (CMK)

This interdisciplinary packet of materials on mapping is intended for grades 7-12. The lessons are organized around themes: location, navigation, information, and exploration. Each lesson has an introductory text and two main activities. Students learn basic mapmaking and map-reading skills and see how maps help answer fundamental geographic…