Surveys undergraduate geography major programs in American universities, with particular emphasis on the changes which have occurred since the late 1960s. Major changes include relaxing core curriculum and distribution requirements. (Author/DB)

Describes reading-comprehension technique called "Questioning the Author," which focuses on teaching students to concentrate on building understanding of the ideas in the text. Provides examples of this reading-comprehension technique in geography and history. (PKP)

In 1985, the National Geographic Society launched a new Geography Education Program to revitalize geography instruction in the nation's schools. Geographic Alliances in 27 states mobilize teachers, administrators, and policymakers to push for improved geography curricula. The society also produces high-impact publications and sponsors special…

Describes a model for generating solution features, or karren, on gypsum blocks within 24-48 hours in order to illustrate terrain-forming processes. This method for replicating landforms provides hands-on experience for students, and can be varied to demonstrate a number of principles. (LS)

The use of a travel writer's approach to social studies instruction, where students gather information to write travel guides about countries they're studying, is illustrated through activities for studies about Egyptian passport and visa applications, currency, history, language, and art. (CB)

Discusses Egypt's issuance of stamp maps, which are postage stamps whose designs incorporate maps. Provides a time line of Egypt's issuance of stamp maps. Explains that Egypt has issued more stamp maps than any other country. Explains how teachers can use the stamps in history and geography instruction. (SG)

Discusses those U.S. counties that the State Department has forbidden former Soviet government personnel to enter. Includes a U.S. map indicating closed counties. Explains that the policy came in response to restrictions on foreigners' movements in the former Soviet Union. Suggests that teachers have students explore why particular U.S. regions…

A recent succession of landmark events have rendered world history textbooks out of date. Educators need to answer students' questions about the changes of the past few years and provide some context as to the causes of change. Lists a number of selected resources for information on eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. (MLF)

Describes the development by the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) teaching materials. Explains that the demand for GIS professionals and the need to distinguish between the practical and theoretical aspects of GIS motivated the project. Examines the results of and prospects for…

Discusses problems that students have in appreciating the relevance of the philosophy underlying geography instruction. Presents an activity that requires students to apply geographic concepts to decisions concerning the location of urban retail outlets. Includes details on implementation, rationale and background, and procedures. (SG)

Describes "Harvest of Hope," a project for science and geography instruction in which students from an inner-city and a suburban school joined in a community service project. Explains that the students planned, planted, and harvested crops for the needy on school property. Includes handouts simulating international negotiations, trade…

Presents a middle school lesson on the geographic theme of human-environmental interaction. Explains that the natural environments of the Dominican Republic and the gulf region of Alabama are compared and contrasted in the production of sugar cane. Includes maps, graphs, a historic speech, and suggested texts. (DK)

Addresses the beachfront urbanization of the Dominican Republic's coastline resulting from domestic and international tourism. Explains that the distribution of beach resorts reflects both quality and quantity of natural resources, proximity of urban centers, and intensity of development efforts. Describes five discrete types of coastal resorts.…

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)

Details how to create a low-cost groundwater field station for a college hydrogeology course. Discusses how students use the station to collect and interpret data from wells and to study spatial hydraulic-head measurements to comprehend groundwater flow. Explains why hands-on activities are a valuable addition to the course. (DSK)