Automated geographic information systems (GIS) consist of integrated digital databases containing information about geographic features; hardware, software, and people used in the analysis of features; and descriptions of features. Currently no standard method of accessing widely scattered geographic data exists. Argues that this can solved by…

Discusses search engines and describes a prototype system that provides dynamic ranking of search engine results for geospatial queries based on the URL of the host site. Evaluates this approach using user queries and random Web pages, making a contribution to Web retrieval by providing an alternative ranking order for search engine results.…

Research shows that young children are able to draw simple maps of their neighborhoods and to recognize features on aerial photographs. Among younger children there is little difference between the mapping ability of boys and girls, but as they grow older, boys consistently perform better in map drawing and map reading. (Author/SK)

Geography was virtually absent from the secondary school curriculum from the mid-1950s well into the 1980s--despite America's rediscovery of the earth in the 1970s. The 1984 instructional "Guidelines for Geographic Education" stress five interrelated themes (location, place, relationships within places, movement, and regions), forming a sound…

Geography as a separate subject lost ground in the secondary school curriculum after the Korean War. A High School Geography Project stressing urban themes was developed in the late 1960s, but faded by the mid-1970s. A 1980s renaissance, spurred by educational reform mandates, seems a promising development. Includes seven references. (MLH)

Independent high school geography courses are essential because of the subject's pan-scientific nature. Teachers need to develop a set of higher level geography learning objectives and a global perspective in the curriculum, allow adequate time to reinforce these objectives, and teach map-making and analysis. Texts should avoid the "Trivial…

Because geography begins right outside the school door, teachers can structure learning activities that link classroom learning to events in the local community and the world. These activities can be organized in a program leading students from description (reading the landscape) through explanation to prediction. (MLH)

Based on two premises for successful inservice training (collegiality and peer training capabilities), this article describes four steps for organizing an effective program: awareness, understanding, guided practice, and implementation. The fourth step is more effective when accompanied initially by peer coaching, mentoring, or team teaching. (MLH)

In a study of 2,791 elementary students (grades four-six) successful location of 10 countries on a map varied significantly with socioeconomic status (SES), gender, grade level, and mobility of students. Improvement of scores was linked with both high SES and higher grade levels. (IAH)

Describes the historical development of the spatial order of human settlement in Geary County, Kansas. Geary County's sense of place derives from the integration of physical and human environments--patterns of association between daily human activities and natural environment that have produced a particular cultural landscape. (SV)

Presents a read-aloud from Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi" and describes its use (and class activities for it) in algebra and geography classes. (SR)

Presents an analysis of the development of the basic themes of geography (location, place, relationships, movement, and regions) by selected southwestern Pennsylvania public schools. Concludes that students in grades three through six are most often exposed to the location theme and that sixth graders have the greatest overall exposure to all five…

Shows and discusses the results of a test on the "mental representations" of Italy in pupils (11-14 years) living in different Italian towns. The results reveal some common psycho-special features that are independent of the dwelling localities. (Author)

Presents two lesson plans exemplifying analytical geography. The first lesson shows how medical geography can be used to track the silent route of cholera. The second lesson about the Bermuda Triangle is an exercise in fundamental mapping skills and teaches children a valuable lesson in double-checking facts. (RLC)

Multimedia instruction, which combines visual images, video clips, music, voice, and text, is a compelling way to engage students' interest in geography. The computer, telecommunications, and multimedia are tools that today's students will use in their adult working lives. The National Geographic Society can enhance geography instruction with two…