Describes a project that correlates modern geography with governmental decision making. The Comparative Metropolitan Analysis Project focuses on specific problems for each of the 20 largest metropolitan regions in the United States. 1,050 maps were drawn from census data, detailing the topography, land use, housing, population density, etc., for…

Describes a Canadian experimental project in which elementary school children (grades 3, 4 and 5) worked with Landsat maps to determine the feasibility of incorporating their use in the curriculum. Use of these maps was found to be successful in all three grades. (CS)

By means of a case study of Nigeria, this paper examines the issue of national unity and identity in the face of tribally based regionalism, diversity, and suspicion. Maps and tables accompany the article. (Author/AV)

Analyzes patterns of population growth in Africa, accounts for the population explosion in certain parts of the continent, and discusses implications of the population growth for economic development. Seven tables and two maps are included in the article. (Author/DB)

This article describes the New Canadian Geography Project which developed seven books and teachers' guides that can be used by secondary history, geography, and/or social studies teachers to teach Canadian studies. The books focus on matters of social relevance and of continuing Canadian concern. (Author/RM)

Assesses techniques used by researchers to collect and analyze data on how people with visual impairments or blindness learn, understand, and think about geographic space. Recommendations are made for increasing the validity of studies, including the use of multiple, mutually supportive tests; larger samples; and real-world environments.…

Describes the Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILT) that is a professional institute established in response to the Dearing Report recommendations. Discusses how geographers can become involved. Explains that ILT seeks members who exhibit knowledge and experience in five specific areas. (CMK)

Advocates combining fundamental ideas from the fields of geography and environmental sociology that contribute to the field of human ecology in order to form a suprastructure for the analysis of current issues that are critical to global well-being. Illustrates concepts in a flow-chart that results in a cohesive structure revealing interrelated…

With the right software and teaching strategies, computers can make learning geography fun for students. Several ready-made commercial programs are described. In addition, information is included on utility and application programs, and suggestions are given for using them in geography instruction. (IAH)

Evaluates four map products currently available on CD-ROM in terms of hardware requirements, ease of installation, software, product content, documentation, cost, and instructional materials. Conclusions about the current status of maps on CD-ROM are offered and the desired characteristics for a perfect CD-ROM mapping product are identified. An…

Reports the results of a survey designed by the Council of Chief State School Officers that provides an overview of geography instruction in U.S. public schools. Suggests that the high response rate indicates strong interest in geography instruction. Finds a great need for state and district level workshop training. (KO)

Looks at the validity and value of performance indicators used to allocate resources among and within British universities. Questions the relationship of performance indicators with actual quality of research and teaching. Considers the limited role of such indicators within a more appropriate system of appraisal. (Author/LS)

Describes a teaching technique that develops concepts of weather and seasons through the use of a weather calendar and graph. Suggests daily and monthly activities for the first-, second-, and third-grade curriculum. Concludes that this technique helps students develop a foundation of essential geography skills and processes. (KO)

Identifies themes necessary for geographical literacy: location, place, relationships within places, movement and interaction, and regions. Discusses three traditional social studies approaches to organizing geographic instruction: topical, social science, and reflective. Illustrates the richness and depth created by combining all three approaches…

While domestic politics occurs in the presence of a sovereign government, international political activity takes place in a state of anarchy. Each nation-state claims sovereignty and recognizes no power superior to itself. When discussing peace, teachers must be realistic about interdependence, which can lead to war, as in 1914. (MLH)