Information is presented for teaching about the formation of tornadoes and their effects. Ideas for relevant class discussion topics, writing assignments, and experiments to illustrate how temperature and air pressure changes involved in the storms work are also given. (PP)

Proposes a classification scheme based on institutional control, geography, governance, and size in order to capture the diversity of two-year colleges in the United States. Argues that development of an easy-to-use classification system could serve to improve the precision of research on the community college. (Contains 16 references.) (NB)

Argues that, of the schemes described and proposed in this journal volume, Katsinas' proposal, which is based on institutional control, geography, governance, and size, meets the largest number of criteria and may have the best utility. Asserts that a system for classification of community colleges is needed. (NB)

Considers those key concepts in geography that contribute to the teaching of history. Outlines strategies that teachers can use to combine and complement the two subjects. Discusses specific examples of these strategies focusing on the Erie Canal and Bunker Hill. Includes maps and illustrations. (MJP)

Explores the prehistory of the Silk Roads, reexamines their structure and history in the classical era, and explores shifts in their geography in the last one thousand years. Explains that a revised understanding of the Silk Roads demonstrates how the Afro-Eurasian land mass has been linked by networks of exchange since the Bronze Age. (CMK)

Reviews the book, "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" (Jared Diamond). Examines the strengths of the book, focusing on its distinctive aspects, while also offering criticism. States that the final chapter is the most problematic part of Diamond's work. (CMK)

Describes how public relations (PR) students' Internet self-efficacy (e-mail, bulletin board system, real-time chat, and Web research) was measured before, immediately after, and 7 weeks after they worked in either geographically dispersed (Kansas and Hawaii) or local (Kansas only) teams to develop a PR issue statement. Finds Internet efficacy…

Describes a tour of the German Fairy Tale Road, which extends through northern Germany, where many fairy tales originated. (BB)

Data from the 1972-89 Cumulative General Social Survey (1970s black male sample=556, 1980s sample=767) demonstrate much upward and downward intergenerational educational mobility for black males. The educational attainment of black males is associated with age, father's education, and the size of their place of residence at age 16. (SLD)

Studies of college students and citizens of south Florida, United States, students in Shanghai, China, and an international sample of social psychologists show that social influence, measured by the frequency of memorable interactions, is heavily determined by distance. Confirms one principle from Latane's 1981 theory of social impact. (JBJ)

This study examined temporal-geographic patterns among 830 confirmed incidents of child abuse in 31 rural Colorado counties during 1986-90. Findings suggest that a first incident of abuse or neglect serves as a sentinel event, predicting a period of more frequent receipt and substantiation of maltreatment cases by child protection professionals in…

Discusses teaching about the impact of weather and climate on societies and human activity. Suggests that this impact be demonstrated with study of the Dominican Republic during its formation. Presents several instructional strategies for consideration: focus on climate, historical events, and weather. Includes books to be used in each approach.…

Describes how one teacher follows up a unit on Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" with a study of the contemporary film, "Steel Magnolias." Argues that both pieces celebrate the joys of life and that the film helps balance what is missing in the play. (HB)

Discusses geographic naming with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Highlights include the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) online database; United States Geological Survey (USGS) national mapping information; the USGS-Microsoft connection; and panoramic maps and the small LizardTech company. (AEF)

Reports on several hypotheses regarding the overall suicide rate during 1979-1993 among Alaska resident 14-19 years of age. Results indicate that suicide rates varied up to sixfold by race, gender, and local census area of residence. Alaska Native males, in particular, had one of the higher documented suicide rates in the world. (RJM)