Defines the study of geography and the four traditions of the discipline: (1) earth science, (2) man-land relationships, (3) area studies, and (4) spatial orientation. Proposes some appropriate questions and problems for students to investigate and provides basic guidelines for carrying out a geography project. (JDH)

Describes activities for elementary social studies designed to stimulate student interest in maps and globes. For example, students study geographic regions where friends and relatives live. They locate food production, manufacturing areas, and places they have visited on maps. (AM)

Provides educational resources for teaching geography from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC). Includes units on the Model United Nations, China, Middle America, and the United States. Resources stress themes of economic, political, and social interactions and interdependence. Provides simulations, maps, sample tests, and lesson…

Geography is a subject that introduces students to some elementary notions of the world and, while it draws upon other disciplines, reorganizes the substance to encourage students to look at the phenomena of the world in its interrelations. Geography can contribute to the knowledge base required for world citizenship. (RM)

Describes the 1988 adoption of the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) by the Georgia Board of Education. Discusses the QCC's role in defining and developing the study of geography within the social studies curriculum. Identifies and analyzes four as essential elements in a social studies program: knowledge, skills, attitudes/values, and social…

Asserts that state history and geography can become dull if the textbook is not supplemented. Suggests that the study of state history should include (1) the student's sense of value in their own region; (2) awareness of significant events there; and (3) an appreciation for the region's uniqueness. Illustrates several classroom activities to…

Home, school, neighborhood, and community studies offer unique opportunities for teachers to initiate youngsters into observing and recording phenomena. Because fuel costs make trips increasingly expensive, an alternative method is suggested for observing and recording data about the local community. (Author/IS)

Identifies teachers as primarily responsible for increasing geographic literacy, and suggests newspapers as a valuable source for geography lessons. Gives lesson plan ideas that include the use of the sports, news, travel, and weather sections of the paper. Lessons should enhance appreciation and knowledge of geography in everyday life. (RW)

Explores the history of social studies instruction. Reports findings of an analysis of 1,217 lessons contained in 5 social studies textbooks. Concludes that geography, history, and anthropology receive the greatest coverage in the books, whereas sociology and political science are stressed least. Identifies differences among the five books.…

Identifies themes necessary for geographical literacy: location, place, relationships within places, movement and interaction, and regions. Discusses three traditional social studies approaches to organizing geographic instruction: topical, social science, and reflective. Illustrates the richness and depth created by combining all three approaches…

The 1989 Teacher of the Year, Mary V. Bicouvaris discusses social studies education, public education, and teachers. Stresses the importance of geographic and international education and addresses the problems of falling test scores, use of illegal drugs, teenage pregnancies, and school dropouts. (RW)

As an example of strategies that middle grade teachers can use to teach about a country using a standard textbook, a lesson on Canada is presented. The lesson is made up of four parts: geographic overview of Canada, identification and simplification of landscape, exploration and settlement, and elements of Canadian culture. (RM)

Cites reports pointing to a lack of geographical literacy in the United States. Provides a lesson plan on the identification of countries in the Middle East, utilizing repetitive drill and mnemonic devices. Describes this activity as one way of helping students remember place-name geography facts. (RW)

Addresses the problem of geographic literacy with respect to the Caribbean Basin. Provides a lesson plan, including maps and charts, that encourages and challenges students to learn the geography of the Caribbean Basin, and to think about the problems that develop when large numbers of legal and illegal immigrants enter the United States. (RW)

Argues that American Government courses offer opportunities for teaching geographic knowledge and skills. Shows how government and geography can be integrated. Concludes that geography must be included at every level of the social studies curriculum. (RKM)