Provides examples of distorted maps drawn by people from various times and countries. Argues that maps can be culturally confining and can reinforce ethnocentricity. States that exposure to many cartographic perspectives can help a person overcome ethnocentric cultural conditioning. Includes activities and questions for promoting cartographic…

A way for teachers to counter duality in traditional patterns of thinking, especially in social studies classrooms, is to plan a lesson involving conflicting sources. In this article, the author discusses a mapping lesson for high school and college students, which helps students understand dualities. From this lesson, the student recognizes the…

Describes the importance of children developing proper mapping skills to help them understand their life space as they mature. Explains topological, projective, and Euclidean concepts in relation to how children should be taught about space concepts used in mapping. Focuses on integrating topological experiences into pre-school, primary grades…

Describes a project in which students created a wall-sized map of Vermont to celebrate the state bicentennial. Suggests that the minimum of instructions the students received and democratic discussion and voting made the project an experience in cooperative learning and communication. Explains that the project incorporated art, history, geography,…

Argues that effective citizenship requires geographic place knowledge. Recommends that primary students develop place vocabulary through memorization and map activities. Analyzes three social studies (grades 1-4) textbooks for attention to place vocabulary. Finds that none offers a systematic approach to place vocabulary acquisition. Introduces…

Discusses the use of globes to teach geographic concepts and geographic location. Contends that smaller, eight-inch globes can be effective instructional tools. Describes how students can produce inexpensive personal globes for classroom use. (CFR)