Discusses the importance of cultural geography for understanding the environment and of teaching geography as a form of visual literacy. Notes different concepts of landscape, including landscapes as physical geography, landscapes as texts, and landscapes as a process of identity formation. Examines cultural expressions of geographic visual…

Presents two puzzles based on Canadian geography intended for use in secondary classrooms. The crossword puzzle is based primarily on place-name geographic knowledge. The word find puzzle focuses exclusively on Canadian rivers. (CFR)

Criticizes the use of map coloring as an activity for teaching geography. Acknowledges that many teachers use it because it was how they were taught. Argues that children are inherently interested in geography and can be taught geographic skills in elementary school if the materials are presented well prepared. (DSK)

Discusses the use of travel photographs as original sources in geography and other social studies classrooms. Contends that students can learn about other places and people through analysis of the photographs. Includes suggested sources and activities for using the photographs. (CFR)

Suggests that geography instruction is an ideal opportunity for reinforcing culture and identity among First Nations people. Discusses the issue of culture and some sources of opposition to teaching culture on Indian reserves. Points to themes that can subtly integrate cultural lessons with geography lessons. (DSK)

Argues effective learning requires suitable resources and that teachers can reap great rewards by establishing cooperative partnerships with local communities to gain access to otherwise unavailable resources. Uses the example of planning, executing, and implementing a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a Canadian urban junior high school…

Presents an annotated bibliography of seven geography education resources for Canadian educators from the ERIC database. The materials include digests, monographs, journal articles, and academic papers. The citations include all relevant bibliographic information and a short abstract, as well as information on locating and ordering the materials.…

Argues that the Internet and the World Wide Web are excellent resources for geography education. Provides instructions for exploring geography resources on the Internet. Reviews six Internet sites (provides URLs) that allow geography teachers and students to interact. Provides instructions for accessing listserves and newsgroups related to…

Presents resource-based, statistical research projects for Canadian grade 9 geography developed by teachers and librarians at Merivale High School (Carleton). Shares their teaching strategies and materials and discusses the results achieved. Notes that the activities can be transferred directly to other schools, using resources readily available…

Summarizes the objectives, guidelines, and skills sets contained within the 1994 National Geography Standards. Concise examples illustrate the implementation of broad objectives. Discusses how each stage of the curriculum is connected to developmental growth. Recommends increased cooperation and coordination between secondary and higher education.…

Details theoretical and practical uses for Statistics Canada's E-STAT CD-ROM in helping preservice teachers explore the local communities in which they are to teach. Claims that E-STAT allows users to learn mapping and graphing skills and to confront their preconceptions about particular locales. Notes possible uses in social studies instruction.…

Deals with the formation and operation of the Canadian Council for Geographic Education (CCGE). Discusses its operations, programs, publications, key personnel, and how to join the council. Programs discussed include The Great Canadian Geography Challenge, the CCGE Teacher Network and newsletter, Geography Awareness Week, and summer institutes for…

Argues that remote sensing images are a powerful tool for teaching geography. Discusses the use of remote sensing images in the classroom and provides a number of sources for them, some free, many on the World Wide Web. Reviews each source's usefulness for different grade levels and geographic topics. (DSK)

Recommends a social studies activity that combines geography and history within a current events framework to make the curriculum more interesting and challenging to the students. Explains that students investigate natural disasters from around the world and determine the effect humans have on these "natural" occurrences. (CMK)

Offers a game for helping first-grade students develop locational skills and geographic concepts. Calls upon students to (1) locate rooms within a school; (2) identify the rooms' purposes; (3) understand written instructions; (4) understand directional concepts; and (5) develop skills of cooperation. (DK)