Although place names, national capitals, and physical environment are important aspects of geography, a well-rounded geography curriculum includes other themes, such as the regional approach, locational and perceptual considerations, population and food balances, urbanization trends, economic development, man-nature relationships, and political…

This article describes how a sixth grade teacher uses contests, games, and fun to teach superior geography skills. (Author/IAH)

Drawing on his maritime background, a teacher at a rural middle school in California decided to use a "Pacific Rim and Basin" theme as the focus for his gifted class. Students learned about the Far East by tracking and communicating with a cargo ship bound for Yokohama, Japan. (MLH)

Urges that natural hazards be studied in order to analyze the geographic theme of human-environment interaction. Suggests ways in which this information can be introduced in the classroom. Identifies field studies and cross-cultural analysis with follow-up discussions as possible activities. Points out information sources. (KO)

Reviews current applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and suggests that industry can use such systems to aid in decision making. The discussion covers factors that will influence future use of GIS, potential uses of GIS in the private sector, and the need to develop an integrated GIS. (CLB)

Assesses the first National Geography Awareness Week that was held from November 15-21, 1987. Points out that there was much media coverage about how geographically ignorant the U.S. population was. Contends that this public relations event had little impact on improving the image of geography as a serious discipline. (GG)

Describes California's effort to blend geography and other disciplines in the state's "History-Social Science Framework." Since all history and societal change have been shaped by the dual influences of time and space, the wedding of history and geography is easily supportable by teachers well-versed in these concepts. Includes seven…

Offers some recommendations for electing and training geography teachers. Teachers should be proficient in world geography, cartography, and computer use and possess field training that is easily replicated in school settings. A positive attitude and creative teaching methods are essential. Includes one reference. (MLH)

The article describes how culture, poverty, religion, and geography interact and impact on the development of education for blind and visually impaired people in Latin America. (Author)

Examines continuity in curricular aims, content, teaching, and assessment as found in the geography programs of a single secondary school and its feeder primary schools. Places emphasis on pupils aged 8 to 13. Finds little agreement in any of the areas investigated. Proposes that structures are needed to develop productive dialogue. (KO)

Describes John Snyder's current interest in mapping, provides worksheets for a student map-projection activity, and explains how maps have been used throughout history. (MKR)

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)

Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of geographers' temporal strategies for research. Suggests diagrammatic interpretations and examples of the strategies. Presents classroom activities for increasing student understanding of the organization of time in the study of geography. (SG)

Examines the life and work of Samuel Griswold Goodrich who, writing under the name "Peter Parley," was one of the United States' most prolific geography textbook writers. Explains that Parley was among the nineteenth century's best known educational figures. Underscores Goodrich's profuse use of illustrations and personal writing style.…

Discusses an assessment program in the geography department of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Describes the development of a senior proficiency examination. Suggests that the assessment process include development of meaningful curricular goals and strategies for implementation. Breaks the project down into phases: the search for funding,…