In this classroom activity, students consider geographic context--features like mountains, rainforest, and rivers--in order to assess their influence on transport mode selection, speed, weight limit, and cost. Cost of transport, in turn, has significant effects on the local economy. Students will learn that people in a place must import anything…

Increasingly, people are being asked to make decisions about water use in the semi-arid regions of the United States. "Good decisions" depend on an understanding of the linkages between sustainability of the resource, management, and economic development. This article reports on findings from a water quality survey conducted in Colorado,…

Describes a game developed by concerned students from the University of Manitoba to simulate the world's environment and development. Includes how the 1,100 square foot map was made, how props to complement the map were collected, and a description of the first simulation with 80 high school students. (MDH)

Case studies of two, successful, rural, self-development programs in India are presented in this document, which is designed to supplement the study of India in the social studies curriculum. After a brief introduction to India's village system, the two projects are discussed. The first case study presents a water collection system in Bagrunda…

Argues that well-intentioned government policies, such as the Endangered Species Act, can actually cause harm to endangered species by creating disincentives to preserving the habitat for endangered species. Maintains that the use of incentives can lead to voluntary species protection. Includes instructions for an in-class teaching activity. (MJP)

Discusses the development and implementation of a simulation game for a sixth-grade class that used the structure of Thornton Wilder's play, "Our Town," to examine the geographical issues involved in community planning. The land development issue discussed was based on a real-life local concern. (MJP)

Presents an interdisciplinary lesson plan on the history and development of transportation in the United States. Includes activities involving role playing, simulations, research and presentations. Also includes a 48-item transportation book list. These activities illustrate issues of public opposition and support, economic development, and social…

One of the greatest needs of our country is good public roads. The reason we do not have them wherever needed is not primarily because of the cost of building them, for in the last quarter of the century we have spent more money for other things not half as valuable or half as much needed than would be required to pay for the building of good…