Using Piagetian spatial conceptual development theory and Bruner's theory of concept formation, discusses major issues underlying children's inability to perform well on map skill tasks. Mapping problems covered include teachers' inability to use maps, curricular issues, poor instructional practices, and the use of commercial maps. (DST)

Argues that map skills instruction is among the broadest skill applications in the elementary school curriculum. Identifies problems encountered by elementary school children in dealing with maps and describes tasks designed to address such problems. Suggests that what teachers and curriculum developers learn from working with students can be used…

The program of map and globe study skills for elementary social studies contains two parts: primary level for grades 1-2 and intermediate level for grades 3-6. Concepts of the units include maps as geographical representations; maps as symbols; directions; astronomical maps; city and world maps; and scales and measurement, among others. Each…

Time-Distance maps and the simulation game of "Section" illustrate the High School Geography Project Materials. History of the project, objectives, strategies, and innovativeness are discussed. (VW)

In order to obtain information on the status of geographical knowledge possessed by University of South Dakota (Vermillion) students, a geography survey designed to determine specific knowledge about the locations of bodies of water, countries, and cities was conducted. One map was used for identifying cities, while the second was used for…

Discusses the importance of geographic knowledge and understanding for learning history. Emphasizes five themes of geography: location, place, relationships within places, movement, and regions. Provides specific lesson suggestions. Argues for geography instruction's integration into all areas of social studies with maps and geographic themes. (DK)

This list of essential skills for social studies emerged from a statewide effort to identify a scope and sequence of content, concepts, and skills in social studies from kindergarten through grade eight and for the United States History course at the high school level. These skills are meant to be included in the curriculum along with concepts and…

The journal, written by Connecticut teachers, covers various aspects of social studies education in that state. The objectives are to serve as a forum for exchange of information, to be a catalyst for dialogue on issues of common concern, and to be a source of mutual support and professional growth. The journal is comprised of five articles. The…

The criteria that elementary school teachers use to guide their decisions concerning content, sequence, and instructional strategy in geography and their frames of reference toward geography were examined through interviews and classroom observations. Research indicates that the teacher determines the curriculum that the students actually…

THIS YEARBOOK IS INTENDED TO PRESENT AN OVERVIEW OF RECENT TRENDS, ISSUES, AND PROBLEMS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES. CHAPTER I EXAMINES THE CURRENT CHALLENGE TO SOCIAL STUDIES, DISCUSSES THE CHARACTERISTICS AND PURPOSES OF AN EFFECTIVE SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAM, AND PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF THE YEARBOOK'S CONTENTS. CHAPTER II EXAMINES ISSUES…

Reviews the work of the Geography Standards Project, a national effort to develop standards for geography education in grades K-12. Describes committee structures, definitions of "world class" student performance and "standards," and the nature of the standards developed, indicating that they focus on outcomes, performance, and…

The booklet identifies 217 geography skills to be acquired by students in kindergarten through grade six. It is intended to help teachers in developing geographical strands and outcomes in the elementary social studies curriculum. Skills are presented for three grade levels: kindergarten through grade two, grades three and four, and grades five…

Designed for history teachers of students in grades 4-7 and for museum educators, this teacher's manual interprets art and objects in the Hall of State (Dallas) within the context of the Texas history curriculum. Although the guide focuses specifically on Texas history and the Hall of State, it can be used as a model for museum and school…

During the 1975-76 school year the Nystrom Map and Globe Study Skills Program was pilot tested by approximately 1,400 students in three elementary schools in Spokane, Washington. The program is a continuous progress program based upon a series of sequential instructional objectives. Major objectives of the program were to help students develop…