Explores the value of Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi" for the middle-school geography classroom. Examines the genesis of the book, investigates the authenticity of Twain's experiences, analyzes the book's content, and suggests teaching strategies. Finds the detailed geographic observations in the book quite useful for the…

Points out reasons for using graphical methods to teach simple and multiple regression analysis. Argues that a graphically oriented approach has considerable pedagogic advantages in the exposition of simple and multiple regression. Shows that graphical methods may play a central role in the process of building regression models. (Author/LS)

Suggests the essential characteristics of the five fundamental themes of geography and provides related learning activities for elementary grades. States that use of these complementary and overlapping themes will result in balanced and comprehensive geographic instruction. (LS)

Describes the 1988 adoption of the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) by the Georgia Board of Education. Discusses the QCC's role in defining and developing the study of geography within the social studies curriculum. Identifies and analyzes four as essential elements in a social studies program: knowledge, skills, attitudes/values, and social…

Since 1985, the National Geographic Society has assumed the major responsibility nationwide for teacher education in geography. This article discusses the society's alliance projects and various state efforts to develop ideas and resources for revitalizing geography instruction. Two sidebars test readers' geography IQ and detail Pittsburgh,…

Presents a hands-on activity for bridging the gap between the exposure to three-dimensional topography and contour mapping. This activity describes the use of a volcano-making activity and offers laboratory sheets that can be duplicated for student use. Argues that students learn the concept of contour mapping better in a guided fashion that holds…

Lists essential information about the Arctic Ocean which should be taught in elementary social studies courses, and which teacher training programs should cover. Discusses popular misconceptions regarding the Arctic Ocean and factors, such as the coloration on maps and globes, which lead to these misconceptions. (LS)

Based on recent critiques of Soviet and American textbooks, this article discusses educators' differing assumptions concerning what students should learn, who should decide what they learn, how students learn, how geography and history curriculum should be organized, and how much choice teachers should have. Includes eight references. (MLH)

A computerized map tutorial and a more traditional atlas based instructional method to teach geographic locations were compared with 15 remedial and 12 learning disabled grade nine students. The computerized map tutorial produced significantly higher performance for both groups of students and there were no significant differences between the…

Provides three sample lessons for teaching elementary school children about economic geography. Includes lessons dealing with natural resources, economic activity, and forests. Provides lesson objectives, focus, and instructional strategies. Offers a list of suggested readings from recent trade books. (SG)

Presents ideas for teaching middle school students how to make and use contour maps. Includes a lesson plan in which students make and read such a map. Provides details on the purpose, motivation, development, and conclusion of the lesson as well as the materials required. Identifies points students should recall as they work with the maps. (SG)

Describes the second map printed in Europe which appeared in 1475. Provides background information that teachers to help students grasp the fundamental aspects of the map. Explores the map as a whole, its details and parts, and the significance of the map for studying the world view of Europeans preceding Columbus's discoveries. (DK)

Asserts that the theme of movement in physical geography is important but difficult to convey to students. Contends that repeat photography, portraying movement of physical features on the landscape through the seasons of a year, is a valuable instructional method. (CFR)

Discusses recent changes in history and geography instruction in the French lycees. Explains that France's National Ministry of Education plans to move teaching about World War II to an earlier year and apply a geopolitical approach to instruction in general. Notes that the Association of Teachers of History and Geography opposes the changes. (SG)

Discusses the teaching of geographic concepts through the use of childrens books. Suggests following up the books with a geographically focused activity to increase children's geographic awareness and knowledge. Includes an extensive annotated bibliography. Links specific books to the geographic themes of place, location, movement, regions, and…