Describes various distinctively shaped clay tokens used in western Asia centuries before the Sumerians invented writing. These tokens appear to have served as a basis for Sumerian ideographs. ( MA)

This report of the status of geography in interdisciplinary environmental studies programs is based on a 1975-76 HMI survey of 43 schools to determine what is being taught in environmental studies with children aged 8-13 years and makes suggestions for improvements. (BR)

This article suggests the use of geothermal energy for producing electricity, using as an example the development at Wairakei, New Zealand. Other geothermal areas are identified, and economic and environmental co sts of additional development are explored. (Author/AV)

Discover the treasure of learning activities in your daily paper. This 20-cent text has resources for teaching reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, career education, and local history. (Editor)

Describes the importance of children developing proper mapping skills to help them understand their life space as they mature. Explains topological, projective, and Euclidean concepts in relation to how children should be taught about space concepts used in mapping. Focuses on integrating topological experiences into pre-school, primary grades…

Reports a study designed to investigate the effects of gender upon the acquisition of spatial and environmental skills among primary grade children. Results showed boys performed better on complex tasks and lend support to those who argue that more extensive movements of boys through the environment leads to superior spatial ability. (Author/JDH)

Presents the views of three secondary-level teachers regarding the use of textbooks in geography instruction. (JDH)

Suggestions for effective use of overhead projectors include making images large, preparing standard base maps, making lettering clear, presenting only one idea per overhead, keeping things simple, using only half a page for each image, using the overhead as a chalkboard, using color thoughtfully, making symbols bold, and anticipating emergencies.…

Reports results of interviews of five first-year faculty members to explore their experiences in making transition to their new jobs and the wide variety of problems they encountered in coming to terms with teaching, research, and administration. Conclusions are drawn concerning the development of effective teaching, integration of new members of…

Examines the context of present curriculum development in geomorphology and the way in which it has developed in recent years. Discusses the content of the geomorphology curriculum in higher education and the consequences of curriculum development together with a consideration of future trends and their implications. (GEA)

This is the third of a three-part series of articles examining the five geographical themes suggested in "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools." Using Middle America (Mexico, Central American and the Caribbean) as a case study, this article addresses the themes of region and movement to show how the…

Provides a 42-item list of references for elementary and secondary social studies. Among the items are a variety of atlases, biographies, law guides, and reference works on selected events and periods of United States history. (JDH)

States that childrens' spatial conceptualization of maps progresses from topological to projective to Euclidean. Provides guidelines for conducting map activities with young children which take account of these and related factors. Recommends block play with verbalization for very young children, followed by mapping of familiar environments. (JDH)

The feasibility of using Landsat multispectral images as a geography enrichment activity was evaluated with a below average 6th grade class. Curriclum implications (such as the opportunity for deeper analysis for gifted or highly motivated students) are noted. Teaching objectives were generally achieved by the nine students tested. (DB)

This special supplement provides a five-day unit of instruction on the Northwest Ordinance. Each lesson plan consists of specific objectives, content outline, maps, student reading material, and instructional suggestions. A unit test and bibliography are included. (JDH)