This research study focuses on preservice teachers' (n=66) inspection of pedagogical connections between geography and geometrical reasoning. The aim of this study was to empirically investigate the use of mathematical analysis to enrich the social studies topics of the distortion of country sizes on the world map. The analysis of data collected…

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)

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)

This paper discusses the value of teaching map and compass skills in the classroom or an outdoor situation. Navigation is the most basic of all outdoor skills. A map and compass curriculum can be taught to anyone, is inexpensive, and is easily incorporated in a variety of educational situations. General teaching principles are outlined: (1) start…

This activity, designed for secondary school geography students, provides reinforcement of skill development in the uses of census data and offers students a greater understanding of the socio-economic structure of their community. Students convert raw census data into percentages, develop quartile ranges, and construct choropleth maps to…

Describes a hands-on geography activity that is designed to teach longitude and latitude to fifth-grade students. Children create a scale model of the earth from a 300 gram weather balloon. This activity incorporates geography, mathematics, science, art, and homework. Provides information for obtaining materials. (KO)

This teacher proficiency module is composed of a sequence of activities designed to develop competencies in writing lesson plans for teaching social studies skills in primary and intermediate grades. Four skills that are a major responsibility of social studies teachers are noted: 1) reading social studies materials; 2) applying problem solving…

To assist North Carolina Outward Bound School instructors in their responsibilities of ensuring that each student is able to achieve safely the objectives of developing self-confidence, concern for others, and self-awareness when confronted by 21 to 28 days of challenging, shared experience involving service and adventure, this revised fourth…

Provides instructional materials, tasks, and activities to supplement a unit on map reading. Presents a two-page color topographical map of Arthur's Pass (New Zealand). Includes learning activities covering reading grid references, estimating distances, cross-sections, and sketch mapping. Briefly discusses and illustrates digital terrain models.…

Techniques for making geography more relevant to elementary students are discussed. For example, the abstract ideas of latitude and longitude can be taught by having students "live" a grid system, i.e., evenly spaced letters and numerals posted on the classroom walls. An interdisciplinary approach is needed. (RM)

Develops a "living map" project that introduces the topology and climate of the Florida Keys through the use of creative, dramatic movement. Explains that gifted second and third grade students become parts of the environment on a large, topographical floor map. Describes materials, objectives, and procedures. (DB)

Providing traditional knowledge and skills, the Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) program has developed its program around a training phase, an expedition, solo, final expedition, and concluding phase. Intended to be an experiential learning experience that encourages students to become involved in exploring new or unusual areas of their lives,…

Describes a field sketch mapping project conducted with a sixth-grade class. The project involved selecting appropriate sites around the school to map, organizing the students, and instructing them about measuring distances and drawing maps. Illustrations include assignments and examples of students' work. (MJP)

Summarizes a study that maintains that students who work together in small groups had a better understanding of map concepts. Discusses why making maps in groups can enhance students' conceptual geographic understanding and offers suggestions for improving geography instructions using small group configurations. Includes statistical and graphic…

Third in a series on utilizing outdoor education methodologies to enhance the academic curriculum, the guide contains lesson plans and case studies for teaching grades 3-10 social studies. The lessons are designed to further student awareness of personal and social responsibility toward the environment through the use of outdoor experiences which…