Recent technological advances have enhanced the accessibility of rephotography, a visual research method and project-based approach valued by social studies educators for engaging students in historical inquiry and place-based exploration. Rephotography projects capture photos from the vantage point of an old image to explore change over time.…

Bridges are some of the most majestic features in the American landscape. For classrooms, the bridge serves as an important component of one of the main themes of geography: movement. One bridge, north of Manhattan and crossing the Hudson River, is the Tappan Zee. One aspect that stands out in a way that does not at all appear reasonable: the…

Explains the cartographic qualities of rectangular world maps and compares the merits of various projections such as the Mercator and the recently-created Gall-Peters. States that the Gall-Peters projection does not provide a reasonable base for a general world map; that no rectangular projection does. (JDH)

Considers those key concepts in geography that contribute to the teaching of history. Outlines strategies that teachers can use to combine and complement the two subjects. Discusses specific examples of these strategies focusing on the Erie Canal and Bunker Hill. Includes maps and illustrations. (MJP)

Relates a project in which elementary students created a model globe that hung in the classroom in order to enable the students to build their geographic understanding. Describes in detail the process of constructing the globe and discusses the finished globe's uses. (CMK)

Describes an innovative geographic location activity in which students trace and correct a mimeographed map of the United States two times. The first time, the state names are given. The second time, the student must fill in and correctly spell the name of each state. (Author/DB)

Examines research on the principal ways people learn the location of places. Considers the traditional methods of teaching place location geography. Proposes alternative teaching methods which reflect the research findings. States that these alternative methods utilize mental and physical involvement in the process, purposeful exploration,…

Describes Ptolemy's map of the world. Discusses the idea of mapping the ecumene or known world. Lists Ptolemy's map making conventions still in use today including location of north at the top, 90 degrees latitude between the equator and each pole, and style of representing physical features. Emphasizes Ptolemy's view of the world as dynamic. (DK)

Presents a lesson in which history, science, and mathematics combine to contribute to an understanding of one of the five fundamental themes of geography: location. Discusses the maps and navigational equipment available at the time of Christopher Columbus. Describes timekeeping, recording speed, and determining latitude and longitude during a…

The World Basic Place Vocabulary Test was designed to provide feedback on place vocabulary capabilities of 13-year-old students in various parts of the world. The results from 12,500 students in 13 countries indicate that this knowledge store is not very great. European students outperformed those in North America. (RM)

Asserts that teaching principles and concepts related to global time is a test of student comprehension and an instructor's teaching ability. Describes how teachers can create an International Date Line Wheel for classroom demonstration purposes. Includes 11 figures illustrating how to make and use the wheel. (CFR)

Illustrates how graphing calculators can be used to address the knowledge and skills promoted by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and other educational organizations. Focuses on plotting capability and facilitating various types of data and information analysis. (CMK)

Focuses on how census data is used by geographers to identify spatial patterns and analyze relationships between the physical environment and human activities. Shows how census data may be used to enhance geographic education. Includes geography activities on migration and per capita income that use census data. (LS)

Presents a lesson plan centering on the importance of Fort Hancock, the military facilities that defend the harbor in New Jersey. Instructional materials include maps, photographs, background material and history, and suggested activities. The lesson could be part of a unit on U.S. foreign policy, military history, or technology and society. (MJP)

A child's immediate environment provides an ideal data source for initial mapping experiences. How teachers can help pre-school and primary school children make block maps, picture maps, and drawn maps is discussed. (RM)