Provides a sampling of items from the ERIC database on the subject of social studies as a discipline. Includes documents on proposals to improve social education and on return to traditional emphases in history and geography. Explains how to obtain copies of documents from the ERIC system. (SG)

Parents can help children study geography by providing interesting activities, using correct terminology, and prompting questions about their surroundings. The article includes activities to help parents encourage geographic thinking in their children. Activities include exploring the neighborhood, learning about other cultures, and examining…

Provides a partial listing of works found in the ERIC database on the debate between those who support social studies as a discipline and those who would replace it with history and geography courses. Includes articles, reports, and reviews covering various aspects of the debate. (DK)

Reviews six computer programs designed to familiarize students with maps, geographical knowledge, and other subjects: (1) "ZipZapMap" (National Geographic Society); (2) "Earth Treks" (Magic Quest); (3) "Code: Europe" (Compu-Teach); (4) "Geography Search" (Tom Snyder Productions); (5) "Teacher First" (Jostens); and (6) "Discovering America"…

Offers a sampling of available ERIC documents and journal articles dealing with teaching world history in high school. Provides bibliographic information and a short description of each piece. (DK)

Outlines an undergraduate geography research methods course that emphasizes bibliographic instruction. Suggests incorporating selected developmental materials. Recommends that students discover materials pertaining to their own areas of interest through systematic search procedures. Includes several sample assignments. (DK)

Discusses the fall of communism in eastern Europe. Applies Latin America models to eastern Europe. Suggests that revolutions are shaped by the systems against which they are directed. Concludes that the problems of eastern Europe are not caused by the system so much as by geography. Argues that poor capitalism may lie in the future for eastern…

Discusses a study of sixth grade children's preferences regarding the portrayal of houses on maps. Reports that there were no significant differences between boys' and girls' preferences for the manner in which rooftops and streets were oriented. Concludes that apparent sex differences found previously may have been a result of the preferences of…

Discusses the need to increase emphasis upon European countries, particularly Germany, in geography and social studies instruction. Cites research indicating that postwar Germany has been ignored in the classroom. Expects textbook coverage of Germany to increase, but recommends student and teacher exchanges to broaden U.S. awareness of Germany.…

Provides an annotated bibliography of 11 books from children's literature that can be used to help teach geographic location. Categorizes the books by both geographic skills and grade levels. (CFR)

Presents a plan for teaching about geography and the environment by having students read a novel. Describes the story in "The Talking Earth," creating a proper setting in the classroom, and activities for before and after reading the book. Suggests learning activities based on national parks, and independent activities for the students.…

Examines the emergence and evolution of global concerns in recent decades and the particular interrelationships between population and environmental concerns. Considers the potential for population geography, with its emphasis on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, cultures, economies, politics, and environments, to link population and…

Discusses the unique perspective that the built environment brings to the study of history. Presents questions that can be used to analyze a building to examine identification, form, function, and impact. Suggests that studying a building is like conducting a micro study of the development of a society. (DK)

Elementary teachers can interest their students in U.S. geography by having them plan a cross-country concert tour for a rock and roll band. The project develops research, writing, and critical thinking skills as students learn about U.S. geography. The article includes a listing of state tourism agencies. (SM)

Reports on a research study in which college students used a statistical ordination method to reveal relationships among plant community structures and physical, disturbance, and spatial variables. Concludes that polar ordination helps students understand the methodology of plant geography and encourages further student research. (CFR)