This article describes activities in which students sample, investigate, classify, and compare characteristics (i.e., texture, color, density, porosity) of local soils, evaluating whether the soils are healthy or at risk. Students investigate correlations between geology and geography, predict which soil types may go extinct in their state, and…

One measure of the impact of a new idea in geography education is how well it is incorporated into teachers' everyday practice. "Spatial thinking" is not really a new idea in geography education; spatial analysis has long been one of its core traditions, but the use of the term is novel and only beginning to be widely used. By spatial thinking the…

This lesson plan is based on Suzanne Collins's book, "The Hunger Games." Katniss and Gale know about District 12 and the surrounding woods. Additionally, from television coverage, they know that there are twelve districts and the Capitol. District 13 used to exist until the rebellion. But where are these districts now that the geography…

There are major themes in geography, which all teachers should incorporate into the social studies. These themes assist students to organize information and relate relevant ideas. Teachers need to study and experiment with using a set of structural ideas to facilitate student learning. Otherwise, learning may comprise of isolated facts, concepts,…

A teaching unit illustrates how the application of certain common classification systems, using the same data set, can produce different spatial configurations on choropleth maps. It is hoped that students, after completing the unit, will not only take greater care in deciding upon a classification system to use on their own choropleth maps, but…

Argues that regionalization is a scientific classification of the earth's surface and crucial to the study of geography. Identifies seven key concepts which are associated solely with regionalization. Suggests a method for introducing the concepts in the classroom. (KO)

"Differentiating Instruction With Menus Grades 3-5" offers teachers everything they need to create a student-centered learning environment based on choice. Addressing the four main subject areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and the major concepts taught within these areas, these books provide a number of different types of…

Described is a classification activity that uses holiday greeting cards. Identification of animals, their characteristics, natural habitat, eating patterns, and geography are some of the suggested ways in which to classify the animals. (KR)

This manual is designed for use in a 1-year, grade 11 forestry course. The manual consists of eight units that focus on: (1) dendrology (tree description); (2) forestry measurements; (3) maps and aerial photography; (4) Canadian forest geography; (5) logging and utilization; (6) forest management and silviculture (the science and art of…

This two-dimensional, action-oriented curriculum model for teaching geography at the secondary school level provides a rationale for implementing a student-structured, process-oriented curriculum. Two diagrammed models, which are general enough to represent any learning process, illustrate the ideas developed in the rationale and accompany each of…

A new classification of rocks that requires no tools other than a hand lens and that is both comprehensive and informative is described. Each of the three main rock groups is treated in two-dimensional, rectangular charts with additional appended boxes that provide optional mineralogical and textural terms that can be used in rock names. (PR)

Discusses the concept of social mathematics in which numerical information is connected to the people and issues of social studies. Maintains elementary students can learn that data represent information from the real world. Includes class activities using historical timelines, data collection, and database computer programs. (CFR)

Maintains that achieving the social studies goal of helping children make good decisions about their world requires data interpretation. Includes activities and accompanying charts for classroom activities that combine social studies content and data interpretation and classification skills. (CFR)