Presents a sample exercise for a seventh-grade geography class using Pennsylvania highway maps. Part one is designed to provide practice in map reading skills. Part two focuses on unusual place names. (Author/SJL)

This student manual is designed to introduce students to topographic maps and compass use. The first of five units included in the manual is an introduction to topographic maps. Among the topics discussed in this unit are uses, sources, and care and maintenance of topographic maps. Unit 2 discusses topographic map symbols and colors and provides a…

People in the developing world worry about the shrinkage of forests and the scarcity of firewood. An international team of geographers assessed desertification and prepared a map. Students can analyze a simplified map and answer questions that will help them understand desertification. (AM)

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)

A theme issue of the Iowa State Historical Department magazine focuses on elementary readings and activities about prehistoric Iowa. The issue contains a total of 16 articles. In "History Makers," a ten-year-old recounts his family's discovery of a mammoth bone on their farm. "Imagine a Camping Trip Long Ago" looks at how the…

A theme issue of the Iowa State Historical Department magazine ("The Goldfinch") focuses on elementary readings and activities about Iowa prairie life. A total of 13 articles is included. In "History Makers," eight letters recount student and teacher prairie experiences. "The Prairie: Problems or Paradise?" recounts…

This publication contains 20 learning activities for developing basic skills while teaching about China at the secondary level. The activities, which were field tested, are self-contained and include short readings followed by student work sheets. For developing skill in reading about China, the learning activities focus upon translating Chinese…

This publication contains 20 learning activities for developing basic skills while teaching Asian studies at the secondary level. The activities, which were field tested, are self-contained and include short readings followed by student worksheets. For developing skill in reading about Asia, learning activities focus upon defining terms and…

Recognizing the importance of studying the community to develop a historical perspective in students, this lesson module tells the story of Fort Wayne, Indiana from the first Indian settlements to the present. It is written in narrative form and each segment of the story contains learning activities to reinforce and enhance it. Learning activities…

Elementary school students learn about the continents and the oceans by completing a variety of activities, games, and puzzles. Students learn to spell the names of the oceans and continents; recognize the locations, sizes, and shapes of the continents; and use directions on maps by completing a pretest, word searches, mazes, crossword puzzles,…

A mini-unit introducing seventh grade students to their new school and its surrounding area can be adapted for use in any school. Following a list of learning objectives and evaluation methods, the document provides a short vocabulary lesson and five student activities and worksheets for learning to read school, city, state, and county maps. A…

"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…

Activities in this elementary unit focus on developing students' locational skills while strengthening their ability to read and follow instructions. Seven maps of varying complexity are accompanied by worksheets containing 8 to 13 direction exercises. Students are instructed to place buildings, landmarks, and labels in accurate locations on each…

Designed for use with intermediate students, this unit presents eight 45-minute lessons in which students learn about Iowa's history, economic factors, governmental functions, geography, and people. Although the unit is intended primarily for fifth grade students residing in Iowa, it can be used as a model for those interested in developing…

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)