This paper outlines an approach used in a course designed to teach reflexivity as a research skill and explores what kind of gender intervention such teaching might constitute. Although inspired by feminist debates about the complex power dynamics of research relationships, the course in question does not focus specifically on gender issues.…

Imagine recreating a tsunami's force in a bathtub or exploring the potential of geothermal energy by using steam from a kettle to illuminate a light bulb. These types of activities and more are offered in Matthew Levy and Mario Salvadori's collection of experiments and demonstrations in Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Tsunamis. More than 30 easy and…

Many students in the United States do not possess a sound geographic vocabulary. This study compared two instructional methods, drill and varied activities, that might be used to develop that vocabulary. Eighth-grade social studies classes at three sites (one urban, one rural, and one transitional) were used to assess learning of the 50 United…

Designed for students in grades 7 through 12, the paper presents illustrative resource materials for teaching concepts related to geographic regions. Emphasis is on giving students an understanding of the interrelationship between regional characteristics and human behavior. The paper introduces students to the following notions: environmental…

The geographic knowledge, skills, and understandings of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can be assessed through this test which was developed by the National Council for Geographic Education. The test consists of 27 questions on geography skills, 25 questions on physical geography, and 23 questions on human geography. Students are directed to…

The paper describes a study of the scope of geography achievement tests and the social studies components of national achievement tests. The research examined whether the tests' items were (1) directed primarily toward testing knowledge at the recall/memory level, and (2) comprehensive in their treatment of the discipline. Ten tests were analyzed,…

This resource paper on economic geography is part of a series designed to supplement undergraduate geography courses. It interprets regional economic development in terms of geographic spatial patterns of production, income, and physical or economic distance. Chapter two outlines some selected characteristics of spatial disparities of economic…

Five resource units constitute the Kindergarten level of the Project Social Studies curriculum. The five units, on the theme of earth as the home of man, are preceded by a grid showing the concepts, generalizations, sequential development of skills, and attitudes appropriate to each unit. All the units follow a similar format, consisting of an…

Eleven position papers, prepared by the staff and guest lecturers of the Summer Institute on Approaches to Introductory College Geography Courses, focus on the purpose, nature, scope, structure, processes, content, and key concepts to be emphasized in introductory college geography courses. Since each lecturer presented his point of view, the…

This is the final report of the High School Geography Project (HSGP), born of a joint committee of the National Council of Geographic Education and the Association of American Geographers, 1959-1961. Chapter one presents an interim, rather than final, assessment of the project as it stood in the summer of 1970, at its completion. Chapter two…

Describes a simulation game in which the objective is to highlight the social, political, economic, and environmental factors related to the building of a natural gas pipeline. Groups of players represent private enterprise, government, local people, environmentalists, and news media. For journal availability, see SO 507 287. (Author/CK)

Presents the results of an experiment that asked 53 middle school children to identify continent shapes and to arrange them to form a map of the world. Australia, Europe, and Asia were the most recognized. Misidentified and misaligned most consistently were Africa and Antarctica. Discusses possible reasons and teachers' responses. (MJP)

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…

Provides an overview of recent New Zealand immigration policy including information suitable for inclusion in lesson plans and units of study. Discusses accessing and using population, migration, and immigration data and addresses possible problems and deficiencies. Includes statistical and graphic analysis of data. (MJP)

This paper reports a case study of how junior secondary geography teachers in Changchun, China, planned and delivered their lessons. From the observation and interview data, it was found that teachers in the China mainland were strongly influenced by a compliance culture and uncertainty avoidance stance. It is argued that these cultural traits…