Presents instructions for a class project to produce a raised relief map. Reports that students will learn to interpret elevations from contour lines, interpret map symbolization, realize that the area represented is a real area, and redefine the meaning of a map scale. Includes a list of materials needed and details of construction. (DK)

Forty-six ideas for introducing culture into the second-language classroom are outlined. They include activities concerning history and geography, social values and morals, lifestyle, and behaviors. The ideas presented consist of either topics or classroom techniques for promoting reflection and discussion. (five references) (MSE)

Describes development of an enterprise education program at the University of Lancaster. Includes the development of business/enterprise awareness, acquisition of transferable personal skills useful in subsequent employment, and completion of a project in a working environment. Concludes that success of the program will depend on how it is…

Presents ideas for getting the most out of an elementary school trip to the zoo. The article offers before, during, and after lesson plans which touch on biology (the life cycle), geography (continents and regions of the world), conservation (endangered species), ecology (natural communities), and career guidance (zoo jobs). (SM)

Discusses the use of advance organizers in elementary geography instruction. Asserts that maps and globes can be used as advance organizers to improve learning about geographic locations and regions. Provides two classroom activities with accompanying data charts to illustrate the technique. (CFR)

Describes Project Marco Polo in which students, teachers, and staff from "National Geographic" and the U.S. Navy traveled to Japan. Reports that they studied Japanese culture, oceanography, and natural science while on the trip. Includes excerpts from field journals kept by the participants, photographs of the trip, and a map. (DK)

Addresses the question of why Mesoamerican religions and related cultures disappeared after the conquest. Argues that certain principles of social organization and behavior have survived to today. Discusses four principles among those that have always been of fundamental importance to Mesoamerican peoples: (1) cardinality; (2) duality; (3)…

Argues current social studies reform movement raises false dichotomy between those who would emphasize content of history geography and those who would focus on critical thinking or information processing skills. Contends real goal of social studies should be practical citizenship competencies/participation. Concludes that teachers should create…

Presents a bibliography of 18 video products for use in the classroom. Includes programs on geography, Japanese culture, Native American culture and history, change in the former Soviet Union, and the Persian Gulf War. Gives a brief description of each program. Lists recently released software programs on geography, tests, history, and computer…

First published in 1969 in "Journal of Geography," this article suggested an introductory geography course provided an introduction to field of geography and provided useful image of world. Claimed that these objectives were viewed as incompatible, and suggested a geography course that served both purposes. Described early textbooks and the…

Argues that dispute between history and social studies in the curriculum is not recent but goes back 75 years. Asserts the term "social studies" is not a separate discipline but simply an umbrella term to describe the broad field of social subjects offered in the school curriculum. Calls for an end to the dispute between history and…

Reviews research on geographic literacy, particularly related to identification of countries, cities, and physical features of maps. Reports that preservice social studies teachers had difficulty in constructing accurate mental world maps. Provides practical suggestions for improving the geographic literacy of preservice teachers. (CFR)

Discusses the impact of globalization on the jobs and trade of Canada. Emphasizes new relationships with countries in Latin America and Africa. Notes the types of trade that Canada enjoys with these two areas and encourages expansion of business into them. (DSK)

Presents a chart of socioeconomic data for 38 developing countries and the United States. Includes statistics on GNP per capita, percent of people living on less than one dollar a day, under-age-5 mortality rate, percent of population without access to safe water, and total adult-literacy rate. (DSK)

Discusses the development at Bowen High School (Chicago, IL) of firsthand experiences to create connections for students between their local and global worlds. Outlines the course, explains specific projects, and discusses links between the classroom and community. Includes a list of helpful teaching resources. (DSK)