The question, Are there good reasons to teach urban geography to secondary and college students?'' is answered positively by briefly exploring (1) the concepts of wave theory analog, the critical isochrone, filtering, and equifinality; (2) the techniques of analysis of computer mapping, probabiltiy, models, and remote sensing; and (3) some recent…

Practical instructions about using the random walk drainage network simulation model as a teaching excercise are given and the results discussed. A source of directional bias in the resulting simulated drainage patterns is identified and given an interpretation in the terms of the model. Three points of educational value concerning the model are…

Presents the results and conclusions of a survey of (1) the course offerings in the earth sciences and geography of 100 colleges, and (2) the certification requirements of geography teachers in the 50 states. A study of college freshmen revealed widespread ignorance of geographic concepts. The authors stress the need for better teacher education…

How social influences have affected ideas current in the teaching of geography and recent developments in the field is examined. A case is made for change in the content and objectives of geography instruction. (RM)

Secondary students can study time and the motions of the sun by plotting an analemma, a graphic representation of the declination of the sun and the equation of time for every day of the year. They can collect data by measuring a dowel stick's shadow in the noon sun. (KC)

A computer software package designed to lead students through exploration using ancient sailing ships is reviewed, focusing on features, educational value, design quality, written materials, and ease of use. The price was seen to be too high for most individual teachers or parents. (MP)

Suggests how to use remote sensing techniques and data in geography courses in high school and college as well as in geography research. Tips are presented on using techniques such as topographic maps, vertical aerial photographs in stereo pairs, satellite images, and SLAR images (which are particularly useful in teaching landforms and…

Reviews various definitions of the concept of distance and suggests that basic notions regarding distance require directed learning. Identifies challenges regarding relative distance for geography researchers and teachers. (Author/DB)

Tests whether children's learnings in one of the social sciences, geography, are as hypothesized, hierarchically dependent; that is, whether learning of each in a series of central, analytic processes in one of the social sciences facilitates, through positive transfer, the learning of each succeeding higher-order capability in the field.…

Points out the importance of a geographic perspective for those making complex public policy decisions. Identifies issues which might be affected by this perspective. Suggests that the geographic themes of location, place, human-environment interactions, movement, and regions would be useful in analyzing such issues. (KO)

Suggests the use of picture postcards as a vehicle for teaching geographic concepts. Describes the development of postcards. Discusses the use of postcards for thinking skill development, as a social historical record, and as a study of the images of the places represented on the cards. (DK)

Offers a game for helping first-grade students develop locational skills and geographic concepts. Calls upon students to (1) locate rooms within a school; (2) identify the rooms' purposes; (3) understand written instructions; (4) understand directional concepts; and (5) develop skills of cooperation. (DK)

Presents a geography lesson on China to be used to help students understand contemporary and historical China. Suggests that China's population may be the most important factor shaping Chinese culture today. Includes teaching strategies and a student handout to provide an understanding of culture through the geographical concepts of place and…

Focuses on some of the techniques used during an institute (in which teachers were taught how to teach geography through literature) and on the circa-1492 literature that may be used to integrate understandings of literature, reading, and geography. Presents an annotated list of 22 books appropriate for lower elementary through middle school…

Relates a project in which elementary students created a model globe that hung in the classroom in order to enable the students to build their geographic understanding. Describes in detail the process of constructing the globe and discusses the finished globe's uses. (CMK)