This activity is one of a series of 17 teacher-developed instructional activities for geography at the secondary-grade level described in SO 009 140. The activity investigates the development of compass skills, map skills, and orienteering. It employs the educational-games approach. Given specific exercises and instructions, students become…

The main hypothesis was that the unit is appropriate for use at the kindergarten level. The evaluation was based upon the examination of four factors: 1) the reliability and item characteristics of the unit text; 2) the effect of bias associated with pupil sex, race, socio-economic status on geography achievement and learning gains; 3) the effect…

The social studies program seeks to highlight and interpret basic ideas and understandings drawn from anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and sociology as to the organization of communities. It places paramount importance on the building of attitudes which support the American way of life, and the development of…

The overall social studies recommended program is described in SO 000 675. Here, the grade 4 program deals with the various racial and ethnic groups and the famous people who have contributed to the greatness of our country. The treatment is developed in a chronological historical sequence from the explorers and discoverers to the industrialists,…

A unit that can be adapted to teach about any culture(s) teachers travel to during their vacations is outlined. The unit is interdisciplinary and includes activities for social studies, language arts, mathematics, art, music, dance, physical education, and home economics. The activities can be used in elementary or secondary classes. (RM)

This guide offers a closer look at the newly-independent nation of Kyrgyzstan. The teaching materials focus on the history and culture of the nation, emphasize the influence of physical geography on culture, and explore the diversity found in this small country. Each lesson includes the geography standards linked to the activity, objectives,…

Describes five successful geography courses centered around local studies for students in the lower ability range. Includes pollution, mapping, traffic surveys of cars and pedestrians, and discovering town trails. Journal available from Longman Group Ltd, Directories and Periodicals Division, 43/45 Annandale Street, Edinburgh EH7 4AT Scotland.…

Considers the fact that despite increased class size and limited instructional resources the overall performance of students in geography in the United Kingdom has improved. This is attributed to changes in teaching, learning, and assessment methods. Small, workshop-based discussion seminars and active learning have replaced traditional lecture…

Offers five themes from political geography that could be incorporated into college geography courses: historical specificity of geography; (2) interconnectedness of regions; (3) interpenetration of the human and natural worlds; (4) centrality of culture in social reproduction; and (5) use of political economy to uncover social relations. (MJP)

Suggests a number of questions that can be used to structure a small-group discussion about the interpretation of visual images. Argues for the necessity of critical interpretation of visual information as an increasing degree of geographic information becomes visualized. Includes several teaching tips. (MJP)

Presents a map indicating the path of the "Einsatzgruppen" (mobile killing units of the German SS) military assault through Poland into the Soviet Union in 1941. Provides a map of the six extermination camps in Poland. Offers two maps illustrating the Jewish population of Europe before and after World War II. (CFR)

Defines geography as a holistic science that explains variations in the human-environment relationship over the earth's surface. Proposes bridging the gap between the specialized professional approach to geography and practical pedagogical needs. Maintains that geographers should translate their work for nongeographers. (CFR)

Maintains that regional atlases are an important educational tool that must be updated to remain current and valuable. Reports on a user survey among 123 Canadian geography teachers about content and design of atlases. Finds that teachers value simplicity and up-to-date information and not CD-ROM atlases. (CFR)

Reports on the author's year as a Fulbright Hays Exchange teacher at a bilingual secondary school in Hungary. Describes changes in society, politics, and education since the end of the Cold War. Contends that the school curriculum has deemphasized vocational education and provided more autonomy for teachers. (CFR)

Recognizes the leadership role played by professional and educational organizations, most notably the National Geographic Society (NGS), in promoting geography education. The NGS and other organizations established standards and guidelines concerning content and instruction. Includes brief descriptions of activities and their sponsoring…