Describes the integration of a multimedia technology component into a fifth-grade social studies and geography unit. Includes a learning activity using a geography videodisc. (JOW)

Presents a case study in which students investigate the environmental issue of open cast coal mining. Students examine the issue from different perspectives; interpret the available evidence; draw appropriate conclusions; and evaluate such conclusions. (MDH)

Argues that the Internet and World Wide Web are convenient mechanisms for providing students in world regional geography courses with up-to-date information. Describes how Web technology can be used to set up an electronic reserve library with links to Web sites and materials related to the specific course content. (DSK)

Argues that remote sensing images are a powerful tool for teaching geography. Discusses the use of remote sensing images in the classroom and provides a number of sources for them, some free, many on the World Wide Web. Reviews each source's usefulness for different grade levels and geographic topics. (DSK)

Tells about the creation of the High School Geography Project. Beginning with a statement of problems faced by geography instructors, the story continues by examining the creation of project objectives, development of an overarching structure for lessons, and discussion of the project's success. Suggestions for contemporary curriculum design are…

Presents an overview of the geological and historical context of Catalan, explaining that today, Catalonia has both a political and cultural definition. Section 1 focuses on territory in political and cultural terms. Section 2 discusses Catalan and the Romance dialect continuum. Section 3 examines cultural centers and political allegiances. (SM)

Reports on a survey of students from 11 countries around the Pacific region who were asked to draw and label a freehand map of the Pacific region, to respond to questions about the emergence of a Pacific community, and to indicate whether they see themselves as a part of that community. (DSK)

Recommends a social studies activity that combines geography and history within a current events framework to make the curriculum more interesting and challenging to the students. Explains that students investigate natural disasters from around the world and determine the effect humans have on these "natural" occurrences. (CMK)

Reports from a survey of geographers that canvassed experiences using audio-visual resources to support teaching. Suggests that geographical learning has embraced audio-visual resources and that they are employed effectively. Concludes that integration of audio-visual resources into mainstream curriculum is essential to ensure effective and…

Examines samples of southern literature from the first half of the century that can be used to understand, geographically, the rural landscapes of the Coastal Plain from North Carolina through Mississippi. Addresses the socioeconomic imprint upon the land, climatic perceptions, and the role of the forest in literary works. (CMK)

Interview with Roger Hart recounts discussions with the environmental psychologist on his childhood influences related to gardening and geography, his studies of children's understanding of the physical environment, and his current work involved with identifying ways to create environmental opportunities for children. Also notes his work with…

Investigates the potential use of geographic-information systems (GIS), a computerized spatial-analysis tool, for teaching geography to elementary students. Finds that GIS offers students opportunities to practice geographic skills and is highly motivating, but it can create frustration. Suggests several promising approaches to using GIS at the…

Reports on research into children's understanding of mountainous landscapes and mountain genesis as revealed in their drawing and modeling representations and in subsequent interviews. Compares younger and older children aged 7-11 from United Kingdom inner city schools. Concludes that the interpretation of children's pictures is problematic and…

Examines how Frank Capra's 1946 film, "It's a Wonderful Life," expresses a profound trepidation over the future of the small-town landscape (both physical and social) in the postwar era. Looks at the image of Bedford Falls and inventing the small town; at gender and landscape, and women's roles in the film; and at masculinity and the "new" small…

Traces development of Native American place name studies from Boas (1880s) to the present. Argues that place names convey information about physical environments but also reveal how people perceive, conceptualize, and utilize their environment. Suggests the utility of place names as a framework for cultural analysis and describes recent…