Because of conflicting interpretations among the most widely used sources, the question of how many countries there are in the world does not have an easy answer. This paper, however, seeks to produce a justifiable, definitive answer (at least for as long as changing political tides allow). By moving from continent to continent, listing generally…

Describes a teacher-developed lesson for high school students dealing with the origin of the Hawaiian Islands. The lesson, which consists of six steps and a homework assignment, is designed for a single class period of 45 minutes. (RM)

Contends that the introduction of the Five Themes of Geography has revitalized geography in the K-12 curriculum. Argues that physical geography is left out of the "Movement" theme. Presents a set of physical geography ideas to help teachers implement the theme. (CFR)

Contends that political instability in Europe and the rise and fall of European nations has occurred regularly throughout history. Reviews European geopolitical events and trends from 1815 to the present. Maintains that the rise of a strong Central Europe with German leadership will determine the future of the European Community. (CFR)

Contends that, in the past several years, the field of western U.S. history has been more vibrant and visible. Maintains that Patricia Nelson Limerick and others revived the field. Concludes that a new approach provides a better appreciation about what did happen and what was mythical in U.S. western history. (CFR)

Discusses the use of advance organizers in elementary geography instruction. Asserts that maps and globes can be used as advance organizers to improve learning about geographic locations and regions. Provides two classroom activities with accompanying data charts to illustrate the technique. (CFR)

This paper is part of a larger study, conducted as part of a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship research project, "A Comparative Geography of Three Ecologically Similar Regions." The study compared the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland with the Murray River region of South Australia and the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. The project was…

Notes the various and evolving definitions of the term "frontier" as it applies to border regions, advance settlements, and developing areas. Traces the idea of frontier back to its original meaning, provides a critical perspective on experiments for redefinitions of frontiers, and draws some conclusions from these redefinitions. (MJP)

Reviews materials from history, anthropology, art, and journalism related Canada's aboriginal peoples. Uses a regional geography approach to present information. Includes an extensive annotated bibliography of resources for classroom teachers. (CFR)

Reviews issues related to soil erosion and soil loss tolerance in the United States. Describes an instructional plan in which students estimate soil loses in three geographical regions using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). Recommends integrating the geography of soil erosion with broader conceptual questions in physical geography. (CFR)

A guide to over 1,110 study-abroad programs is presented. The programs are offered during the academic year and are sponsored or co-sponsored by U.S. colleges. Programs may include language study, independent study, or internships. An introductory section covers several topics including language proficiency, types of study-abroad programs,…

A guide to help students select possible study-abroad programs is presented. The programs are all sponsored by recognized U.S. colleges and universities during the academic year and all offer regular U.S. academic credit. Most of the programs fall into one of three basic categories: (1) the program combining study in a foreign institution with…

Described are two approaches for using newspapers to teach local, regional, or state geography courses to college students. In the first approach, the instructor developed a manual to supplement an introductory geography course which examined spatial patterns of various phenomena as they are found in the Cincinnati (Ohio) metropolitan area. He…

Compares Auckland (New Zealand) with San Francisco (California) in terms of topographical structure, geographic location, and urban development. Both cities contain striking similarities. Maintains that Auckland can become a world-class city renowned for its beauty if developers and government work in tandem. (MJP)

Maintains that children love books, and through carefully selected books, geographic concepts can be taught. Explains how children's literature encourages geographic thinking, builds geographic skills, and develops lasting mental maps of places and regions. Discusses 14 suggested books. (CFR)