Based on an interview with U.S. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, this article surveys several of the projects launched by the Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution. These projects include: the National Historical Pictorial Map Contest; the Bicentennial School Recognition Program; the Bicentennial Educational Grant Program; and the…

"Using Geography to Teach Comparative Values: Japan and the United States" (H. Flater) uses baseball to introduce junior high students to basic differences in the way various cultures view similar events. "Defining Directionality: Early Learning Experiences that Teach Concepts in a Pragmatic and Engaging Format" (C. Grace ; M.…

Examines the concept of citizenship as a three-stage process (preparation, acquisition, and participation). The role of English as a second language teachers in Canadian citizenship preparation education is discussed using examples from the teaching of geography. (Author/CB)

Examines research on the principal ways people learn the location of places. Considers the traditional methods of teaching place location geography. Proposes alternative teaching methods which reflect the research findings. States that these alternative methods utilize mental and physical involvement in the process, purposeful exploration,…

Describes and evaluates seven computer simulation games that help students learn about United States history, geography, and other cultural groups living in the United States. These simulations help students learn by having them experience life as an explorer of an unknown land that is now part of the United States. Program evaluations are…

Features library-based activities that complement various aspects of curriculum focus. Features a game of geographic location mysteries that integrates students' use of atlases, gazetteers, and fiction. Provides clues and map segments for getting started. (ET)

Presents a thorough overview of earthquakes in New Zealand, discussing plate tectonics, seismic measurement, and historical occurrences. Includes 10 figures illustrating such aspects as earthquake distribution, intensity, and fissures in the continental crust. Tabular data includes a list of most destructive earthquakes and descriptive effects…

Surveys the field and literature of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data representation as it relates to GIS. Highlights include GIS terms, data types, and operations; vector representations and raster, or grid, representations; spatial indexing; elevation data representations; large spatial databases; and problem areas and future…

Describes five new and creative products for classroom use to help celebrate Earth Day (April 22): a craft book, curriculum activity guide, workshop series, punch out kit, and interactive book. Product descriptions include price and ordering information. (TM)

Reviews technological innovations that have allowed the emergence of digital libraries and fostered new multidisciplinary collaborations; identifies areas of collaboration between librarians and engineers; and gives examples from digital spatial library projects funded by the National Science Foundation that involve maps, cataloging, data…

Suggests using state and national seals as beginning points for middle school geography study. Notes that the emblems can serve as points of entry into the study of place. Highlights variation among in the amount of geographical information each emblem contains. Concludes that the use of emblems is a low-cost, high-interest teaching strategy. (SG)

Explores the history of social studies instruction. Reports findings of an analysis of 1,217 lessons contained in 5 social studies textbooks. Concludes that geography, history, and anthropology receive the greatest coverage in the books, whereas sociology and political science are stressed least. Identifies differences among the five books.…

Describes Ptolemy's map of the world. Discusses the idea of mapping the ecumene or known world. Lists Ptolemy's map making conventions still in use today including location of north at the top, 90 degrees latitude between the equator and each pole, and style of representing physical features. Emphasizes Ptolemy's view of the world as dynamic. (DK)

Describes a study to determine the results of taking a social studies course on the social studies orientations of history and geography graduate students not previously exposed to social studies. Discusses three social studies orientations: citizenship transmission, social science, and reflective inquiry. Concludes that teachers do change their…

Describes the life and work of Samuel Read Hall, an innovative educator who influenced the future of education. Includes information on his early life, his innovative use of the blackboard, and his development of the first school for educating teachers. Describes some of his methods of teaching history and geography, some of which are still used.…