Reports results of a telephone survey of Ohio educators. Examines what teachers need to strengthen geography instruction. Reports that the survey asked blocked improvements in geographic education. Determines major needs to include teacher education with inservice workshops and better instructional materials. (DK)

Suggests using classroom discussion as a tool in learning geographical concepts and critical thinking skills. Provides structure for preparing class discussion in small group environments. Considers direct student participation to increase the likelihood of long-term retention and interpersonal skills development. Presents an example of discussion…

Outlines lesson plans for teaching economics in the primary grades, designed to complement the video series, "Econ and Me." Suggests activities incorporate mathematics, language arts, geography, and science. Targets the following specific economic concepts in individual lesson plans: scarcity, choice, production, goods, opportunity cost,…

Discussion of Lois Lenski's children's books focuses on the realism that predominates in her work through the use of real-life observation as opposed to imagination alone. Ways to use her work as part of a whole language approach to teach reading as well as science, geography, and social studies are suggested. (23 references) (LRW)

Statistical analysis of racially polarized voting prepared for the Garza v County of Los Angeles (California) (1990) voting rights case is reviewed to demonstrate that ecological regression is a flexible, robust technique that illuminates the reality of ethnic voting, and superior to the neighborhood model supported by the defendants. (SLD)

Spreadsheets are well suited to many geochemical calculations, especially those that are highly repetitive. Some of the kinds of problems that can be conveniently solved with spreadsheets include elemental abundance calculations, equilibrium abundances in nuclear decay chains, and isochron calculations. (Author/PR)

Excerpts from discipline-based task force statements outline the range of activities of faculty in five disciplines: history; management and business; the arts; chemistry; and geography. The excerpts focus on the nature of scholarship and allow comparison of the varied roles, responsibilities, and perspectives of faculty in those fields. (MSE)

Investigates townsite distribution in South Dakota's land settlement pattern. Reviews past theories explaining eastern South Dakota's systematic spacing of towns along rail lines. Indicates a correlation between railroad functions and town development, advancing the theory that nineteenth-century railroad technology, involving traffic control and…

Interdisciplinary learning modules called "Maude Visits..." are described. The modules apply basic scientific concepts to current and future problems facing people in various countries such as the Soviet Union. Activities using maps, money, and convection currents are included. (KR)

Presented are the background, conference charge, organization, and results from the "Planet Earth" conference. Discussed were the goals and concepts that every high school senior should know when completing a pre-college education. The issues, goals, and concepts of a curriculum are suggested. (KR)

Maintains that an article in this issue of the "Journal of Geography" was the first one submitted entirely by electronic means. Asserts that the use of electronic mail improved communication effectiveness between the author and the editor. Encourages everyone who has access to electronic mail to use it for communications with the journal. (CFR)

Asserts that geographic literacy plays an important role in the overall history-social science curriculum. Provides a lesson planning strategy and recommends using the Five Themes of Geography as a guide when designing history curricula. Includes recommended textbooks, professional journals, and other teacher resources. (CFR)

Asserts that the power and prices of computers have changed dramatically in recent years. Reviews 10 approaches to using computers in geographic instruction. Includes a 10-item questionnaire to determine whether teachers are using computers effectively. (CFR)

Asserts that traditional field study, widely regarded as an essential part of geographical higher education, is under attack because of high costs and poor administration. Describes a case study of an undergraduate program that combines training in field study with research and presentation skills. (CFR)

Reviews recommendations from the National Council for the Social Studies which state that teaching about holidays can motivate students as well as teach about cultures. Reviews three videotapes designed for use in elementary schools. Includes a content summary and a discussion of strengths and concerns about each video. (CFR)