The paper describes a method of using simulation games with inverted maps to teach college undergraduates basic cartographic and spatial knowledge in geography. The author discusses the nature of simulation gaming in terms of the conflicting needs for structure and open-endedness, then identifies his major objective in developing the new approach.…

This yearbook consists of two distinct parts. In part one, Concepts and Techniques in Geography, eight academic geographers review the thrust of recent research in the branches of the discipline with little or no reference made to the implications of these developments to elementary and secondary education. Two essays deal with man/land…

Recommends making choropleth maps as a fun and interesting way to teach geographic concepts. Choropleth maps represent data and ratios (population density, voter registration) and can be constructed easily. Includes suggested activities and representative maps. (MJP)

A project to help teachers use technology to enhance learning is tied to the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, to bring a sense of adventure to learning. A 3-day outdoor workshop emphasizing the Nez Perce role in the expedition and a mapping project tracing changes in Lewiston (Idaho) had 8th-graders using global positioning systems,…

Describes the use of the "Microsoft Flight Simulator" with Dutch students 12- to 16-years-old to apply mathematical knowledge to real-life situations. The use of an overhead projector for class flights is described; and student activities, including converting metric units and drawing maps of the landscape, are explained. (LRW)

Asserts that travelers' diaries are excellent primary sources that can be used to teach geography. Maintains that state historical societies and local archives are good sources for these documents. Includes lengthy excerpts from two diaries and a student worksheet. (CFR)

This activity book for teachers and students presents ideas for lessons on Christopher Columbus. Three sections offer teaching ideas and student activities focusing on Columbus's inspiration and preparation for departure, the science of navigation and the voyage, and the pros and cons of changes brought about by Columbus's voyage. (SM)

Recommends the use of freehand maps to teach geographic concepts. Argues that they can be used to highlight selected information. Contends that the technique can be used effectively by students and teachers. (CFR)

Outlines the attributes of "BaseMap," a map-making software package. Locating specific outline maps is a consistently frustrating problem for most instructors. BaseMap allows teachers to copy any map onto their clipboard and make revisions using standard word processing programs. Provides a quick overview of the tools and functions. (MJP)

Describes an activity that introduces students to the geography of the Caribbean. Begins with students creating a map of the region using their own mental representations. The activity uses the Five Fundamental Themes of Geography. Includes a color map of the Caribbean islands. (CMK)

Examines the map-making process of middle-school students to determine which actions influence their accuracy, how prior knowledge helps their map construction, and what lessons can be learned from map making. Indicates that instruction that focuses on recognition of interconnections between map elements can promote map reasoning skills. (DSK)

Describes an exercise for college and high school students that relates descriptive statistics to the regional climatic classification. The exercise introduces students to simple calculations of central tendency and dispersion, the construction and interpretation of scatterplots, and the definition of climatic regions. Forces students to engage…

A recent article in Security-Focus described the fact that several U.S. government buildings in Washington DC could no longer be clearly seen by people using MapQuest's aerial photo database. In addition, the photos of these buildings were altered at the Web sites wherein they are posted at the request of the U.S. Secret Service. This is an…

South Carolina has mountain chains, monadnocks, rolling hills, varying drainage patterns, rivers, a delta, barrier islands, rocks over a billion years old and land that was once part of another continent. This document contains a set of curriculum activities that have been developed from a diverse collection of aerial photographic, satellite,…

The history of orienteering in the United States includes both military and civilian interest, with the period of greatest growth between 1970 and 1980. To investigate growth patterns in orienteering, questionnaires were mailed to 42 civilian orienteering clubs and 286 universities supporting senior Reserve Office Training Corps (ROTC)…