As the popularity of project-based learning grows, so does the importance of understanding how this instructional approach can support students' learning and development. The authors describe a project-based approach to literacy and social studies instruction that research has shown to be effective. Key characteristics of the approach and…

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the possible impact of project-based learning on student learning perspective and achievement in a social studies classroom. American schools are in an era of standardized testing based on standards-driven curricula that only teaches basic recall and recognition. School curriculum should be focused on…

This lesson describes a geohistorical unit in which the students demonstrate their understanding of significant events in American history. The purpose of the lesson is for students to understand that the rapid population growth of the United States was made possible by the removal of Native Americans. In the first part of the lesson, students use…

Project Citizen is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education's congressionally funded Center for Civic Education, which sponsors both domestic and international programs. The Center for Civic Education's Civitas International Programs pair U.S. states with countries around the world based on a variety of factors; including geographic…

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)

Summarizes a geography unit for elementary school students that allows them to explore the social geography of their own local environment and compare it with those of students in partner schools around the world via the Internet. Includes suggestions for teachers who wish to create their own projects. (DSK)

Describes an assignment for secondary or college geography instruction in which students are appointed as the "Minister of Development" of a developing nation. As students plan their country's future, they confront different facets of development and the consequences of their actions. Includes student and instructor activities, identifying…

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer application for urban planning, weather reporting, and geological and demographic studies. This book takes teachers and students to the cutting edge of teaching social studies and environmental education using GIS. Students can use GIS as a tool to explore, question, integrate, analyze, interpret,…

Presents an activity designed to improve students' basic mathematics, reading, and reasoning skills while involving them in the application and understanding of human geography concepts. Describes the activity's background, place in the curriculum, development, implementation, and learning outcomes. Provides the activity in a form ready for…

Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy that promotes the positive interaction of children in small, heterogeneous groups. Each group contain three or four students of varying achievement levels, backgrounds, socio-economic status, and sex. Cooperative learning processes promote student motivation, build group skills, foster social and…

Describes a third grade class geography project in which students assembled a quilt from fabrics acquired from 29 foreign countries. Presents photographs of quilt squares obtained and excerpts from letters of contributors. States that the project made textbook locations seem more relevant to students. (DB)

Suggests using city directories to integrate original geographic research into the classroom. Explains that using directories allows students to think geographically, teaches map skills, and provides the basis for field experience. Provides a case study of the ethnic patterns using the city directory of Sacramento, California. Illustrates other…

Addressing the need for world geography classes to consider demography and other cultures, this paper presents a teaching unit to be included in seventh grade world geography courses. The primary focus of this unit is an individual project in which each student chooses a country and uses basic geographical skills and knowledge to analyze the…

Presents an overview of the 1994 National History Day project and its theme, "Geography in History: People, Places, Time." Includes a list of suggested History Day topics linked to broad historical themes. Provides a 17-item bibliography of resources for students working on History Day projects. (CFR)

Asserts that geography teachers teach how to derive information about history and culture from maps, photographs, and observations of real landscapes. Reviews four books: (1) "From Sea Charts to Satellite Images;" (2) "Historic Illinois From the Air;" (3) "Cultural Geography on Topographic Maps;" and (4) "US 40." Includes suggested student…