Describes the use of David Savageau's book, "Retirement Places Rated," as a tool for teaching U.S. regional geography. Discusses factors used to evaluate and rate regions as retirement destinations. Includes two project assignments used in a college-level course titled "Geography of the Aged." (CFR)

Describes the New York State Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Clearinghouse that is run by the New York State Library and discusses hands-on GIS technology used as an enhancement to its reference services. Topics include community building, in-house projects, library database development, outreach, and the future of GIS reference. (LRW)

Argues that hands-on, project-oriented teaching offers an ideal approach to integrating Geographical Information Systems (GIS) education and training. Presents a project-oriented GIS teaching experience as an instructional paradigm that can be used to ensure balance between conceptual GIS learning and software-based hands-on training in…

Examines aspects of the marketplace for undergraduate geography programs in England and Wales. Provides a national review, and identifies and discusses the flows of applications and enrollments among regions. Notes a decrease in applications for honors geography degrees and the reliance of geography programs on local supplies of students. (DSK)

Presents an overview of current geomorphic research in the southern United States. Conveys that the limited historical effort offers both challenges and opportunities for conducting geomorphic work in the region; much is unknown about these unique landscapes. States applied and theoretical geomorphology will benefit the society and future of the…

Discusses strategies for teaching controversial topics through an examination of the cultural and political geographic concept of iconography using as an example the recent debates over flying the Confederate flag this decade in the American South. Conveys that there is not a conclusive model or solution to teaching controversial topics. (CMK)

Argues that an avenue for enhancing geography education lies in collaboration between teacher educators and government agencies. Describes a cooperative program between the University of Houston-Clear Lake (Texas) and NASA's Johnson Space Center. Discusses challenges in creating the program, the nature of the program, and benefits from…

Characterizes the Internet as a resource that contains both good and bad information. Provides a variety of educational websites, such as the National Council for the Social Studies home page, with accompanying descriptions in order to demonstrate that there are good resources that social studies teachers can utilize in their classrooms. (CMK)

Relates a project in which elementary students created a model globe that hung in the classroom in order to enable the students to build their geographic understanding. Describes in detail the process of constructing the globe and discusses the finished globe's uses. (CMK)

Mental-health professionals are urged to question the role and usefulness of the term "race." The scientific basis of the concept is examined; current and historical uses of racial categories are reviewed. The interplay between geography and human biology is examined. Implications and recommendations for change are presented. (EMK)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide powerful technology for geography teachers. With this tool, students can engage in serious inquiry about issues of local and global significance using authentic data. Summarizes current research findings about GIS in schools, describing exemplary GIS projects. Realizing the potential of GIS in…

Describes World Geography, a commercial Web subscription geographic information source. Discusses its use as a reference source, including content, navigation, and links; the teaching module; integrating technology into the curriculum; pricing; and vendor information. (LRW)

Examines teaching models of atmospheric circulation and resultant surface pressure patterns, focusing on the three-cell model and the meaning of meridional circulation as related to middle and high latitudes. Addresses the failure of the three-cell model to explain seasonal variations in atmospheric circulation. Suggests alternative models. (CMK)

Discusses environmental security, focusing on the meaning of "security." Defines the global economy as a process in which the security of groups is sought, maintained, or threatened. Illustrates connections among environmental security, the global economy, and abuse of women and children in less economically developed places,…

Discusses the impact of geographical space on student achievement, examining academic achievement in schools located under the flight path to a major international airport and including statements of impoverished students living and educated within that traumatizing, noisy environment. Results highlight the social justice and equity-excellence…