Offers suggestions about what to teach within the five themes of geography in California's History-Social Science Framework (1988). States that the use of these themes (location, place, relationships, movement, and regions) along with the 15 basic concepts of geography provide a structure for understanding the substance of geography and its…

Describes a map activity for studying the nine nations of the United States using cooperative learning techniques. The concept of geographic region is discussed and linked to the term "nine nations." Lesson plan, student worksheets, maps, and other materials are included. Indicates the software used to produce maps. (KO)