"True" maps of the world, as seen from the perspective of the time in which they were produced, remain an ethnocentric visual language in modern times. Students can gain insight into such "true" maps by studying maps produced in the great traditions of the West and East. Teachers can determine a map's appropriateness by…

This lesson plan is designed to give intermediate elementary school students the opportunity to use a highway map to prepare for an imaginary trip to a chosen destination in Illinois or surrounding state. In order to complete the assigned task successfully, students will need to utilize all skills learned during preceding class periods. The major…

"The Power of Maps" is an exhibition held at the Smithsonian Institution, October 6, 1992 to March 7, 1993, that presented more than 300 maps dating from 1500 B.C. to today. This exhibition handbook has been organized to help teachers integrate the study of maps with their school curricula. The 17 suggested activities related directly to…

Discusses sketch maps that are free-hand maps drawn from memory that help to organize spatial information. Demonstrates how teachers can use sketch map activities in their classrooms and provides examples of students' maps that illustrate progressive levels of learning world place location. (DB)

From the late 1940s through the 1970s the belief that we were being visited by intelligent guests from other worlds swept the United States and the world. Discusses how materials generated by the unidentified flying objects controversy can be used to encourage secondary students to examine a popular topic. (RM)

The poster "Energy Search," inserted in this issue of the journal, is presented to stimulate thought and discussion among elementary and secondary students concerning possible ways of meeting vital energy needs. Activities are provided on the reverse side of the poster. (RM)

In order to critically read adult information sources, students need to be able to identify external factors which influence the presentation of information. Activities to help students identify these factors are suggested. (RM)

An exploratory attempt to generate preliminary data with a limited sample, this study examines the feasibility of elementary school children and their teachers using infra-red false color landsat images in the pursuit of social studies. (JC)

It is impossible to divorce oneself from geography. Students at an early age need to see how much a part of their lives geography is. This document offers teachers, students, and parents an exciting opportunity to discover the geography in themselves. The program explores the many ways geography affects people starting right from birth.…

Provides a sequential set of instructions for creating a large playground map. Discusses the educational benefits of such a map, and suggests activities for using the map effectively. Stresses the usefulness of maps in teaching place identification, spatial patterns, and directional orientation. (RW)

Secondary students in Tasmania, Australia, can develop their skills in social studies and geography by solving the problems involving map use that this resource book provides. Several different types of maps are covered including: building plans, sketch maps, contours maps, world-grids, atlases, and urban maps. (DB)

Presents a classroom game that serves as an introduction to mapping for first-grade students. Includes beginner and advanced levels. Outlines rules, student objectives, and an exemplar map. (CFR)

Presents a series of hands-on activities for teaching about continents and oceans. Includes projects on (1) why earth is the blue planet; (2) continent names, shapes, and locations; and (3) continental drift. Discusses use of poetry, music games, mathematics, and science to interest students. Suggests ending with using maps in following directions…

Maintains that comparison of students' sketch maps at the beginning and end of the year can provide information on how student's representations of the world changes. Describes a study from the California International Studies Project (CISP) that provides an easy method for sorting and summarizing sketch map data. Illustrates the method with…

Classroom activities to help children learn about and celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the United States Constitution are described, including making up a class constitution, teaching about becoming a United States citizen, and researching details of a specific state's ratification of the Constitution. (CB)