Develops a simple model of network growth of the American railroad in the midwest during the period 1865-1915. Because it simplifies the explanation of a complex phenomenon that greatly affected the American landscape, the model can be used in a study of historical geography of the United States. (Author/AV)

Two maps of Salem Neck, Massachusetts, are primary source materials from the National Archives which K-12 teachers can duplicate and use to teach map skills. Students learn how to read maps and how to use them as historical documents. (Author/RM)

Three methods of teaching place knowledge were examined with high school geography students. Using a traditional textbook map, an outline map with spelling of place names not memorized, and an outline map with spelling of place names memorized, it was found that none of the treatments were satisfactory in helping students to learn maps. For…

Suggests a high school or college level program of subjective perception and evaluation of industrial landscapes. Slides of local or national industrial sites can be rated and classified as pleasing or unpleasing in terms of variables such as architectural style of building, smokestacks, age, and visible pollution. (AV)

Discusses the use of remote sensing techniques to obtain locational, estimated, and mapped information at the scales varying from individual fields and farms, to entire continents and the world. (AEM)

Discusses the importance of teaching place names and locations to students. Targeting rote memorization as an unstimulating method, offers an exercise and several activities using an incorrectly labeled map to teach place-name and location geography in an interesting manner. (AEM)

This paper attempts to clarify the meaning of using the computer as a tool for information processing. Provides spreadsheet and database examples of such use for high school geography. (JDH)

This article demonstrates how newspapers can be used to develop an understanding of current affairs and develop thinking skills. Three examples of current affairs articles along with learning activities which foster the development of thinking skills are included. (JDH)

Examines the problem of international refugees from a geographical perspective. Focuses on sub-saharan Africa, Afghanistan, Central America, and southeast Asia. Concludes that geographers can and should use their skills and intellectual tools to address and help resolve this global problem. (JDH)

Describes the curriculum used in Kentucky to study the history, geography, economics, and politics of that state. Gives information about state studies in the contiguous states of Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, focusing primarily on state-authorized curriculum guides. (RKM)

Provides an inventory of international radioactive waste-management policies and repository siting decisions for North America, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. This discussion stresses the important role of demographic, geologic, and political factors in siting decisions. (Author/BSR)

Provides an annotated list of 106 recent (1987) children's trade books useful in the field of social studies. The categories and number of books are American History, Culture, and Life (31); World History and Culture (14); Biography (5); Folktales, Legends, and Storytelling (19); Contemporary Interests and Controversies (6); Careers (4); and…

States that economic geography, by itself, does not completely explain the geography of world economic development. Argues that development must also be viewed in terms of the cultural peculiarities which influence it. Cites as examples the early United States economy, consisting of a capitalist North and an agricultural South, and the Apartheid…

Reviews research on the teaching of map skills and draws eight implications for social studies instruction. Among the conclusions are: (1) that drawing maps can be an extremely useful learning device; (2) that children need to learn that maps are valuable tools for collecting, sorting, and sharing information; and (3) that schools should have a…

Far too much time is spent in most elementary grades learning "What is where?" Far too little time is spent on learning "Why? and What of it?" Conceptual understanding is essential, and without it, isolated facts are only "fools gold." Provides a list of instructional questions based on 40 key geographic concepts…