Spatial ability is a form of intelligence where a person demonstrates the capacity to mentally generate, transform, and rotate a visual image and thus understand and recall spatial relationships between real and imagined objects. The aim of this paper is three-fold: (1) to review related empirical studies on spatial abilities for young children…

Giant maps offer a potentially useful pedagogical tool for teaching mathematics and map skills. In this pilot study, giant maps were distributed to elementary schools in Colorado and New Hampshire and teachers were provided with guided activities designed to integrate mathematics and geography skills. In an assessment of student skills, it was…

Teaching skills is one of the building blocks of Turkey's Social Studies Instructional Program. Via skills, information can be effectively transformed into high-level behaviors, that information may become a part of one's daily life, and that one may make right decisions concerning major issues in his/her life. Map skills are called "spatial…

The map skills development component of an elementary level social science reading curriculum project was tested for effects. Analyses show significant mean score differences in favor of the experimental group of the post measurement. (Author/JB)

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…

Designed to gain a more thorough understanding of the cognitive processes involved and apply this knowledge in defining improved teaching strategies, this study of contour interpretation (referred to as "position fixing") required 12 subjects to locate their position on a map after being transported, blindfolded, to test sites where…

Geographic skills are defined, developed, and categorized in the setting of an introductory physical geography college course and examples are given of the activities used in the laboratory to foster decision making and problem solving. Some comment is also made on the teaching styles which appear appropriate to foster such skill development.…

A hierarchial sequence for map skills instruction is proposed and related to existing programs. Emphasis in this sequential structure is placed on gradual development of the student's ability to use grid reference systems and orient himself satisfactorily on maps, as well as the gradual acquisition of certain measurement abilities. (SM)

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…

Although over 40 studies have been done since 1925 on map reading, there is little understanding of children's ability to comprehend maps or the mental processes involved. Children's inability to read maps is well document, as are their improved skills after instruction. Yet map skills are part of the elementary curriculum. Success in teaching map…

Asserts that teaching principles and concepts related to global time is a test of student comprehension and an instructor's teaching ability. Describes how teachers can create an International Date Line Wheel for classroom demonstration purposes. Includes 11 figures illustrating how to make and use the wheel. (CFR)

A British project found that appropriate training in map skills enabled children and adults with mild mental retardation to complete a white color-coded orienteering course with minimal assistance but that persons with moderate mental retardation required more assistance and instruction time to complete course objectives. Describes approaches to…

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…

Suggests enhancing geographic education by teaching geography as a relationship between humans and the environment. Explores how to use the geographic themes of location, place and relationships, movement, and regions in the classroom. Provides suggestions for teaching geographic skills and developing geographic tools. Argues geographic awareness…

These activities are part of a series of 17 teacher-developed instructional activities for geography at the secondary-grade level described in SO 009 140. In the activities students develop map skills by learning about and using nautical charts. The first activity involves students in using parallel rulers and a compass rose to find their…