Defines politicization as using the curriculum and informal channels of education to serve the ends of significant power groups. Notes that geography and history were subjects at the cutting edge of the process of politicizing curriculum content. Argues for a balance between content, pedagogy and social education. (KO)

Considers facets of geography curriculum and instruction in three fourth grade classes. Contrasts teachers' conceptions of geography curriculum with those held by reformers. Describes ways in which school and district policies seem to undermine coherent geography curriculums. (PCB)

Discusses the educational benefits of map usage in social studies classrooms. Recommends approaches to teaching map skills, including instruction in location, distance, scale, and direction. Presents activities which utilize neighborhood resources. Describes an activity in which students devise maps of their local community. (RW)

Describes the change of earth's magnetic field at the boundary between the outer core and the mantle. Measurement techniques used during the last 300 years are considered. Discusses the theories and research for explaining the field change. (YP)

Poor student achievement in history and geography is mainly a curriculum problem, not an instructional one. The social studies have been moved to the curriculum sidelines to clear the way for intense, test-driven instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics. To educate future citizens, schools must improve social studies instruction and…

An amendment to the Canada Assistance Plan, a national-provincial cost-sharing arrangement, is suggested. The adjustment would ensure that citizens in all provinces have access to comparable services and bear comparable tax burdens by allowing greater fiscal transfers to provinces with greater need and/or smaller tax bases. (Author/MSE)

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)