Situational factors affecting the first-year teaching of 97 new college geography teachers in a study of teacher preparation are examined, including the type of appointment, status of the dissertation, teaching load, class size, perceived institutional characteristics and identification, institutional support, colleague companionship and support,…

In this grade 5 social studies and language arts interdisciplinary unit, students are required to investigate key battles in the Revolutionary War for independence. Working in groups, students research eight battles to try to determine which was the most important battle leading up to victory for the U.S. colonists. The battles to be investigated…

In this California state curriculum model for grade 6, "World History and Geography: Ancient Civilization," students learn that religious ideas have inspired and influenced the lives and actions of men and women, including Cesar Chavez. They see how his unselfishness, compassion for others, tolerance, and nonviolence have roots reaching…

This guide to Delaware social studies standards for grades 6-8 is intended to help and support local school districts in their development of a standards-based curriculum. The guide cites four civics standards, providing end of cluster expectations (listing areas which will serve as the basis for student assessment) and performance indicators for…

In this unit, fourth graders study the indigenous people of California and the state's four geographic regions. Looking at the indigenous people of California geographically allows students to see the relationship between the environment and the American Indian culture. Historical empathy is fostered as students observe the interdependence of…

This statistical brief provides a follow-up assessment of the changing demographic and economic landscape of the Midwest between 1980 and 1990. Latino population growth in the Midwest during the 1980s was modest, but since the region's other groups experienced minimal or negative growth, Latino growth accounted for over half the Midwest's total…

This activity book is part of a series designed to take a concept or idea from the existing school curriculum and develop it in the context of the Great Lakes using teaching approaches and materials appropriate for students in middle and high school. The subject of this book is land and water interactions. Students examine how the Great Lakes were…

This unit is designed for a second-year Spanish language class. The focus is on the Mayans and the 1994 Zapatista uprising in Chiapas (Mexico). The topics addressed include: (1) the Mayans' historical problems; (2) the 1994 rebellion in Chiapas; and (3) the reactions of the world and of the Mexican federal government to the rebellion. Suggestions…

This guide provides an introduction to many different types and sources of social studies materials. The guide is divided into three sections representing classroom material, outreach activities, and professional resources. Each section is subdivided by resource type. Larger sections use categories to facilitate location of material by curriculum…

This lesson will introduce intermediate students to the Japanese poetic form of "haiku," which is most effectively taught after students have an understanding of syllables. The lesson plan's introductory activity is designed to introduce students to the geography of Japan, as well as Japanese culture through Asian art and music--after…

This publication from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is designed to inform parents about the department's Grade Six curriculum standards in four major areas: language arts/reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. The integrated language arts/reading standards emphasize the student's evaluation of the effect of…

The Water in Africa Project was realized over a 2-year period by a team of Peace Corps volunteers, World Wise Schools (WWS) classroom teachers, and WWS staff members. As part of an expanded, detailed design, resources were collected from over 90 volunteers serving in African countries, photos and stories were prepared, and standards-based learning…

Nine county-level urban-influence categories were developed to enhance research on geographic differences in economic opportunities. Categories differ along many social and economic dimensions: population growth, educational attainment, employment growth, earnings, presence of institutions of higher learning, and hospital and physician supply.…

Draws on material produced as part of a Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) review of teaching and learning in geography. Reviews recent literature in an attempt to assess the implications of recent changes in higher education for field studies in geography. Includes three charts, lists, and graphs. (MJP)

Reports on a study where 111 primary age children were asked to map four model landscapes of increasing complexity. The results show an age-related progression from representing hills in elevation only to early experiments with the use of contours. Includes maps, graphs, and statistical data. (MJP)