In this kindergarten unit, students learn to name and talk about their address. The purpose of the lesson is to meet requirement K.4 of the California History Social Science Standards, to guide young children as they become aware of themselves in relation to the earth upon which they live, to develop a story which focuses the student's learning,…

Presents a sample exercise for a seventh-grade geography class using Pennsylvania highway maps. Part one is designed to provide practice in map reading skills. Part two focuses on unusual place names. (Author/SJL)

The influences of domain-specific meteorological knowledge and general visual-spatial abilities on the comprehension of simple weather maps were examined in a regression-based study involving a sample of participants with relatively low meteorological knowledge and in an experiment involving a contrast between samples of higher- and…

This student manual is designed to introduce students to topographic maps and compass use. The first of five units included in the manual is an introduction to topographic maps. Among the topics discussed in this unit are uses, sources, and care and maintenance of topographic maps. Unit 2 discusses topographic map symbols and colors and provides a…

Discusses the importance of teaching place names and locations to students. Targeting rote memorization as an unstimulating method, offers an exercise and several activities using an incorrectly labeled map to teach place-name and location geography in an interesting manner. (AEM)

Discusses ways in which K-12 social studies teachers can teach students to discover three functions that maps can serve: presenting information, recording data, and functioning as a basis for quantitative analysis. (RM)

Vernacular regions are part of the broader field of place awareness. Gives directions for a unit which selects three popular sports and asks students to construct vernacular sports regions. This involves students in collecting, processing, and evaluating work in a more behaviorally oriented geography than is usual. (CS)

Undergraduate science majors need practice in critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and judging whether their calculated answers are physically reasonable. Develops exercises using handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Reinforces students' abilities to think quantitatively, make realistic "back of the envelope"…

Investigates kinds of map information selected and supplementary information desired by experienced orienteers. Reports that, based on lab and field studies, that contour lines were the most important map information, followed by information reducing physical or technical requirements. Concludes action theory is applicable to decision-making…

Discusses the desirability of teaching latitude and longitude concepts to upper elementary students. Includes a four-lesson unit on the topics. Employs hurricane tracking information available from the National Hurricane Center. Provides a foundation for future lessons on Middle and North American geography. (SG)

To steer a course through the world, people are almost entirely dependent on visual information, of which a key component is optic flow. In many models of locomotion, heading is described as the fundamental control variable; however, it has also been shown that fixating points along or near one's future path could be the basis of an efficient…

Reports a study of how adults form mental representations of large scale environments. Findings revealed that people use landmarks as initial anchor points and subsequently elaborate path structures. Multivariate techniques proved to be useful analytical tools. (Author/WB)

Presents ideas for teaching middle school students how to make and use contour maps. Includes a lesson plan in which students make and read such a map. Provides details on the purpose, motivation, development, and conclusion of the lesson as well as the materials required. Identifies points students should recall as they work with the maps. (SG)

Fourth- through sixth-grade students can create drawn-to- scale classroom maps as they prepare for a treasure hunt using mathematics, map, and measurement skills. The activity involves sharing different maps and examining their features; discussing scale and its purpose; describing the in-classroom treasure hunt; making the maps; and allowing…