In the past, correct spelling, the multiplication tables, the names of the state capitals and the American presidents were basics that all children were taught in school. Today, many children graduate without this essential knowledge. Most curricula today follow a haphazard sampling of topics with a focus on political correctness instead of…

Argues that geography can be made more relevant in today's social studies if it is presented as the study of the environmental impact of culture. This theme is illustrated by contrasting cultural influences which shaped the physically similar east and southeastern regions of China and the U.S. (JDH)

The goal of this development program is to combine greater community orientation with traditional concerns of academic geography. Describes objectives and activities designed to increase community awareness of, and opportunities to apply, geographic knowledge and methods. (Author/CK)

Gilbert Grosvenor, editor of "National Geographic," is interviewed about the importance of geography for Americans. He claims our lack of geographic knowledge impedes our ability to act and compete in the world market as a world power and points out that geographic ignorance extends to people employed at high levels of government. (MD)

These geography standards are subtitled "What Every Young American Should Know and Be Able To Do In Geography", and constitute a set of voluntary benchmarks that every school and school district may use as guidelines for developing their own curricula. The standards for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 specify the essential subject matter,…

Intended for geography teachers and school library media specialists, this book is a resource for providing classroom lessons and activities in critical thinking for geography students in grades 7-12. The book is filled with over 75 primary source Internet sites covering such topics as Places and Regions, Physical Systems, Human Systems,…

This paper presents a view of the acknowledged lack of geographic knowledge exhibited by U.S. students. This view is grounded in the definition of geography that is developed through five themes: location, place, relationship within places, movement, and regions. According to this view, only a very small, usually trivial, part of geography…

A discussion of geography's place in the curriculum and suggested methods for teaching geography are presented in this paper. Geography may be included in the curriculum in a variety of ways, such as infusing it throughout the curriculum or designing an integrated curriculum with geography as the core. Principles of learning derived from…

Describes how a combination of mapping and techniques can be used as a basis for measuring and analyzing student locational awareness of California. The case study analysis reveals that there was considerable variation in students' accuracy and precision in locating places. Includes tables and maps. (TRS)

Many attempts to secure research funds fail not because the research proposed is itself unsound, but because of failings in the way the application is prepared and presented. Tips for preparing a sound research proposal are provided. (RM)

This collection of essays offers ideas, observations, maps, photographs, and descriptions of Boston (Massachusetts) and New England. The 13 essays in the collection include: (1) "An Introduction to New England and Boston: Advancing the Revolution in Geographic Education in a Region of Change" (Theodore S. Pikora; Stephen S. Young); (2)…

Describes how a high school designed a contest to reduce geographic illiteracy. A preliminary geographic location and map skill test was given schoolwide, with prizes for the top 10 scores. Concludes that the test results gave a picture of the geographically illiterate and that the test helped glamorize geography. (GG)

This book is designed to help students use their geography knowledge in real-life situations and explorations. The approach emphasizes problem-solving activities in which students can use higher-level thinking skills together with basic geographical facts. The activities are organized into two groups--Daily Problems and Extended Challenges.…

This book is based on the belief that children's literature and geography should be linked in elementary classrooms. The book has three major sections. The first section, "Using Literature to Teach the Five Themes of Geography," provides a brief overview of the five themes of geography (location, place, relationships within place,…

This resource book is intended to aid parents of children aged 2 to 5 years in teaching geography. The book offers ideas about how to encourage and give direction to enable young children to develop the vocabulary, awareness, and curiosity necessary to lay the foundation for the study of geography. Suggested activities are included and are…