Discusses the 1991 adoption of geography national standards in England and Wales and the subsequent 1995 revisions. The original standards reflected a conservative emphasis on physical geography as well as a complete rejection of problem solving and critical thinking. The 1995 revisions restored some key ideas and broad emphases. (MJP)

Describes the objectives and philosophical orientation of the 1985 meeting of the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE). Reviews the session offerings and explains the six-step problem-solving process model that was used in the program. Discusses the use of the NCGE "Guidelines for Geographic Education." (ML)

This paper illustrates a method by which geography students can experience a process of inquiry and problem-solving by using data banks as a resource. Examples are given of open-ended and structured classroom utilization of a data bank for students to study the socioeconomic structure of Wichita, Kansas. (Author/AV)

This teacher's guide is to enable the teacher to promote thinking through the use of geography. The book lays out the rationale in learning theory for an issues-based, question-driven inquiry method and proceeds through a simple model of progression from identifying key questions to developing generalizations. Students study issues of geographic…

Describes a lesson plan for use in physical geography, earth science, and social studies classes. Suggests that students will find the problem solving approach interesting and will use knowledge of earth-sun relationships, absolute location, and place. Includes objectives, two days of learning activities, evaluations, resources, and an activity…

A packet of resources for helping students develop map skills is presented. The packet includes: 18 stencil masters of mapping exercises for elementary students; an aerial photograph; the course guide, entitled "A Course to Understand Maps," designed to help secondary students understand maps through problem solving; and a teacher's…

Discusses the importance of creative thinking in the geography classroom. Suggests that such thinking can be achieved through the integration of content and creative problem solving. Describes a seventh grade world geography class activity which illustrates this integration. Steps for applying the activity are given and student efforts are…

Presents two geography problem-solving scenarios for use with elementary and middle school children or preservice teachers in social studies methods courses. Provides problems about the magnetic poles and the presence of ice in desert conditions. Calls upon teachers to encourage students to use their thinking skills to solve the problems. (SG)

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)

Discusses instructional uses for the "Carmen Sandiego" software series to encourage interest in geography. Suggests "Carmen" be incorporated into the curriculum by teacher-directed grouping that adds teacher instruction into cooperative and competitive arenas, curriculum integration linking diverse specialties, and isolated…

Discusses the use of the Guided Design teaching method to teach college-level Latin American geography. This method allows the analysis of spatial patterns and processes and critical-thinking skills. (AM)

The evolution of educational games during the 1960s and 1970s culminated in a renewed awareness of the nature and potential of games. Simulations and games are suitable for instruction in urban growth, environmental problems, and in decision making in general. (KC)

One way geographical educators can help local communities understand their environment is to offer a course focusing on local regional geography using the concept of regional synthesis. Describes specific mechanics and evaluates short-term outcomes of such a course in Hawaii. Discusses potential uses. Journal availability: see SO 507 262.…

There are two currents of social studies reform. One involves the search for an appropriate social studies core and is spearheaded by state governments and scholarly organizations. The second reform movement flows toward a social studies curriculum based on urgent domestic issues and the realities of global interdependence. The cross-purposes of…

This teacher's guide, with accompanying videotape, presents an episode of the NASA SCI Files. In this episode, one of the tree house detectives has had an accident and cannot get into the tree house. Using problem-based learning, the rest of the gang investigates the world of simple machines and physical science and "pull" together to…