In this article, the authors suggest a project that social studies teachers can do with students, using the location of the school as a starting point to address the inquiry question: "Whose place is this space?" They provide resources, such as a sample case study and worksheets, to conduct a field-based exercise so that students can…

In this article, the author describes a bike trip which marks the culmination of a unit reviewing map-reading capabilities. In seventh grade, students develop various map skills, including cardinal and intermediate directions, how to measure distance on a map using a scale of miles, how to interpret the legend of a map, and how to locate places…

Third-grade children were able to interpret "Band 5" black-and-white Landsat images (those produced nearest the visible light portion of the spectrum) with little difficulty. (RM)

Examines appropriate map learning experiences for elementary school children based on inferences derived from Piaget's research on cognitive development. Addresses the eight skills developed in most map learning programs: 1) interpreting symbols, 2) envisioning perspective, 3) locating places, 4) determining direction, 5) computing distance, 6)…

Explains the relationship between important citizenship goals and recognized map skills. Demonstrates, grade by grade, how to conduct map learning activities that foster active involvement and problem solving skills needed for democratic citizenship. (JDH)

Presents fifteen activities designed to lead children from the enactive, iconic, and symbolic levels of understanding map symbols, perspective, direction, distance, location, scale, relief and elevation. (JDH)

Movable or moving maps, made so that children can manipulate and assemble parts, promote active learning. Activities which can be used with elementary and secondary students are described. (RM)

Describes a secondary, U.S. history simulation of the settlement of the Jamestown colony. Students are provided with a map and asked to decide where the fort and colony should be set up. They must state reasons for selecting a particular site and reasons for rejecting others. (AM)

Presents an azimuthal-equidistant map which was created to show the true direction and distance from Hawaii to all the countries bordering the Pacific area. Discusses the advantages of such a map and provides questions to be used in classroom discussions about it. (GEA)

After learning about two promising techniques for generating electricity--photovoltaic cells and wind energy conversion systems--secondary students analyze two maps of the United States showing solar radiation and available wind power to determine which U.S. regions have potential for these solar electric systems. (RM)

Describes Middle America (Central America) in terms of two geographical building blocks: location and place. Tables, maps, films, video resources, and a suggested instructional activity demonstrate the concepts of location, physical characteristics, and cultural characteristics in geographic education. (DH)

Recommends that social studies classroom teachers use landsat images in geography units to teach students about map interpretation. Information is presented on interpreting landsat images, uses of landsat images in the classroom, cities for which landsat images are available, and ordering information. (DB)

Two maps of Salem Neck, Massachusetts, are primary source materials from the National Archives which K-12 teachers can duplicate and use to teach map skills. Students learn how to read maps and how to use them as historical documents. (Author/RM)

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)

A step-by-step strategy for teaching secondary geography students about the concept of elevation using topographic maps is described. Students view slides of everyday examples of variations in elevation, produce a simple contour map using a layered model of a mountain, and analyze topographic maps of their own and other areas. (RM)