Two map posters are provided. Younger children can use a neighborhood map to locate information and trace paths, while older children can use a wilderness map to read scales. The emphasis is on problem solving with both maps. (MNS)

Deciding, with outline maps, what highway exits to use to reach various towns most speedily is the problem presented. The simulation is geometric, focusing on loci. (MNS)

Describes a "treasure hunt" exercise designed to encourage elementary students to think reflectively. Using compasses and maps, student groups find prehidden objects. Group discussion and oral reports follow the field experience. (KC)

This lesson uses the picture book "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt" by Deborah Hopkinson and an interactive website to enhance third- through fifth-grade students' understanding of the Underground Railroad and slavery, development of reading comprehension skills, and application of mapping skills. During three 45-60 minute lessons,…

This publication contains 20 learning activities for developing basic skills while teaching about Japan at the secondary level. The activities are self-contained and each consists of a short description, followed by a five-item true or false test and five open-ended questions for student practice. The learning activities are followed by a…

A teacher-developed board game, designed for upper elementary and middle school students with mild disabilities, promotes student familiarity with their home state and applies problem-solving and map-reading skills in a cooperative-learning format. (DB)

Presents a distance and time map exercise designed as a crime scenario. Explains that students must determine whether one individual could have committed a series of crimes in a given time period. Includes graph production that gives practice in interpreting and expressing aspects of spatial information. (DK)

"Primary Mathematics" is a magazine for primary grades teachers. It contains activities which can be used, or adapted for use, with children over a wide ability range. It also contains articles on the teaching and learning of mathematics. The material in this book was selected from 18 issues of "Primary Mathematics" published…

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…

Learning activities designed to help students gain experience in reading three types of maps and in using the results to solve multistep problems about average speed and cost per mile are presented. Worksheets suitable for reproduction are provided. (MP)

Describes an extended problem-solving activity utilizing drift-bottles that encourages students to deduce probable and great-circle drift-bottle routes, to use logic based on unit calculations, and to estimate the distance traveled and the minimum velocity of these drift-bottles. Includes materials needed, learning objectives, procedures,…

This document presents the initial set of research findings for social studies that is part of Project BETTER, a project of the Maryland State Department of Education to promote more effective instruction. The project has three major objectives: (1) to identify current research on effective instruction; (2) to synthesize this research in the form…

Discusses the challenges of teaching high school geography in a way that enables students to develop an informed, spatial view of the world. Discusses the High School Geography Project and its effect on geography instruction. Suggests a map drawing exercise for students to demonstrate the importance of mental maps. (DK)

The curriculum guide in social studies was developed to serve hearing impaired children at the Kendall Demonstration School elementary/middle school in Washington, D.C. An introductory section provides the curriculum rationale with discussion of the development of conceptual knowledge, of empathy and perspective, and of information gathering and…

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)