Students need to be able to classify mapping devices, map purposes, and code forms so that skills learned on one map setting can be readily transferred to any map using the same techniques. (MB)

Outlines specific lesson plans for teaching map reading readiness concepts in the primary grades. (CM)

An activity designed to increase map skills by having students map the location, distance, direction, scale, and time zones of the travelling done by athletic teams is described. (DE)

Map reading offers insights into a kind of literacy and communication area which involves the printed word with pictorial and symbolic representations. A method for developing basic skills in map reading within the confines of the classroom was described. (Author/RK)

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)

Presents hands-on activities to help teach elementary students map skills during Geography Awareness Week. The map skills are made fun by being incorporated into meaningful activities like learning about global resources, tracking the progress of sports teams, and conducting climate experiments in faraway places. (SM)

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)

Maintains that: (1) mapping skills in elementary school social studies classes should not be separated from life situations; (2) maps are tools that can be used to collect, store, and share information; and (3) the best way for pupils to learn about mapping skills is to combine map and globe activities with content, observation, and real life…

Suggests a teaching method (the Visual Response System, VRS) for use in teaching geography concepts to students in high school social studies classes. The purpose of the VRS is to increase the level of active student response to instructional material. A program based on VRS map skills is described. (DB)

Newspapers can help teach elementary students map skills. Students read the newspaper, make cards from newspaper maps, learn about various countries, and do reality-based creative writing. Students can continue to use the maps throughout the year to answer geography questions and stay up-to-date on current events. (SM)

Describes a study which compared the effectiveness of two teaching methods--the lecture method and experiential learning aimed at improving college students' topographic map skills. Subjects were 76 University of Georgia undergraduate geography students. (AM)

Describes a college-level geography course in which the instructor used computer assisted instruction to introduce students to some commonly encountered mapping problems. Concludes that interactive mapping programs give students a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of spatial concepts than can be acquired through conventional…

Sixth graders at Kamehameha Elementary School ascended a high mountain peak, successfully orienting themselves for over 5 miles using topographical maps and compasses and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired at school. The article describes the program, noting the knowledge and tools students used to accomplish their goal. (SM)

Physical educators can teach students basic geography by hanging maps in the gymnasium and using them for physical education activities. The article describes what teachers need to create wall-size maps, how to choose maps, and how to fund and implement map projects. Suggestions for various map projects are included. (SM)

A simulation game designed to increase knowledge of basic place location is described. Preparation, materials, and variations of the game are included in the description. (DE)