When literature in the form of picture books was introduced to the social studies curriculum in the author's classroom, she wondered what her second-grade students would learn from it. She decided to investigate and ascertain whether the children learned geographic concepts when they were taught through a literature-based approach. Given the…

This bibliography is intended to offer research paths for geography educators interested in geography learning. It includes research on all three general modes of geographic learning: spatial learning, map learning, and formal geography learning. Chapter 1, "Introduction," contains the following: (1) "What is geography and what is geography…

This paper describes two experiments in which first, 10, then 20 first-grade students were taught the geographic concept of location through organized lessons and then were able to transfer their learning to concentric area questions with understanding. This study applies Vygotsky's and Gagne's theories that children can learn, recall, and apply…

Developed for use during National Geography Awareness Week, this packet contains ideas for integrating geography instruction with other subject matter at both the elementary and secondary levels. The ideas vary in length and complexity, with average participation time 20 minutes. Some of the activities suggested are mapping activities, field…

This implementation guide is based upon the themes, geographic concepts, and suggested learning outcomes contained in "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools." The central themes for geographic education are: (1) location (position on the earth's surface); (2) place (physical and human characteristics); (3)…

A sample outline of topics and student activities that a teacher may follow in presenting a unit on forestry. (Author)

This paper addresses issues related to the development of geographic literacy by describing, explaining, and discussing these issues as they relate to the current reform movement in the teaching of geography. Emphasis is placed on how this information relates to students with learning disabilities. The paper emphasizes the importance of effective…

This annual meeting site guide is the fourth to be published by the National Council for Geographic Education as part of the "Pathways in Geography" series. The chapters illustrate some of the interactions between people and place that have helped shape the Santa Barbara (California) region over the centuries. The book includes an…

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is the most recent reauthorization of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and was signed into law in January 2002 by President George W. Bush. This educator's guide was commissioned by the Geography Education National Implementation Project (GENIP) to help geography educators…

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is the most recent authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and was signed into law in January 2002 by President George W. Bush. Of key interest is the progress of the last two decades, which lead to the law's inclusion of geography as a "core academic subject" and the…

This guide lists six model content standards for geography education in Colorado elementary schools. Standards cited in the guide are: (1) students know how to use and construct maps, globes, and other geographic tools to locate and derive information about people, places, and environments; (2) students know the physical and human characteristics…

This brief booklet provides a shorthand key to the national geography standards and related geography themes. The themes represent an instructional approach to give focus to a lesson. The standards comprise the geographic subject matter, skills, and perspectives of geography K-12. The five themes flow through the 18 geography standards and can be…

Intended as a teacher handbook, this volume takes a comparative look at the development of geography, both as a science in its own right and as an educational area of study, in Europe and the United States. The book is a description of the development of educational systems in very different political arenas. Reaching from early Greek educational…

This activity-centered approach to teaching geography to elementary students is based on children's literature. Methodologies for teaching the themes of geography involving children's books and stories are given. The book is organized into five chapters: (1) "Geographic Literacy in Curriculum" gives instructions for using the book and provides…

Suggestions are made for classroom games intended to increase the understanding of a wide range of social studies concepts in elementary school children. These games cover the topics of history, geography, basic economics, community functions, media communication, career considerations, and making decisions. (JD)