Discusses spatial interaction in terms of the movement of people. Classifies human movement into the categories of: (1) displacement involved; (2) motivation of migration; and (3) boundaries crossed. Concludes that movement is always linked to the spatial and socioeconomic configuration of a country. Two secondary lesson plans and two elementary…

Uses central place theory and a trade center hierarchy to examine changes in size and function of communities in Saskatchewan, 1961-90. Finds shift of population to larger centers and pronounced decline in hierarchical level of smaller trade centers, leading to questions of smaller communities' feasibility, Suggests possibility of coordination…

Discusses the importance of geographic knowledge and understanding for learning history. Emphasizes five themes of geography: location, place, relationships within places, movement, and regions. Provides specific lesson suggestions. Argues for geography instruction's integration into all areas of social studies with maps and geographic themes. (DK)

Examines, in the light of political reforms in South Africa, the prime concerns of geographers. Discusses the future of the Bantustans; questions of land redistribution, tenure systems, production levels, and support systems; spatial economic policies; land and housing; and regional relations. Argues that, to realize its potential, southern Africa…

Suggests that cultivating U.S. sensitivity and knowledge about the world are the tasks of geographers. Reminds teachers not to ignore the newspaper as a source of information about world geography. Concludes that newspapers can help students develop an appreciation of how geography contributes to world events. Proposes teaching strategies. (SG)

Presents a policy statement from the National Council for the Social Studies for the quincentenary of Columbus's first new world voyage. Recommends that teachers help students comprehend the contemporary relevance of 1492 and provide basic, accurate knowledge about Columbus's voyages, their historical setting, and unfolding effects. Suggests areas…

Presents a strategy for teaching students about Islam from a geographic perspective. Explains that information about the history and spread of Islam is conceptualized as a study of religious spatial diffusion. Suggests that students be kept actively involved in the learning process by study of the carriers of and barriers to the spread of…

Addresses the question of why Mesoamerican religions and related cultures disappeared after the conquest. Argues that certain principles of social organization and behavior have survived to today. Discusses four principles among those that have always been of fundamental importance to Mesoamerican peoples: (1) cardinality; (2) duality; (3)…

Suggests that the availability and application of good software for microcomputers enhances college teaching methods. Argues that, in population geography classes, spreadsheet programs are especially useful; they are easy to learn and are well suited for manipulating numbers representing demographic variables. Gives a sample template and macro for…

Presents a secondary teaching lesson that uses statistical information about colleges and universities offering a degree in geography. Provides a sequenced lesson plan that asks students to develop a map showing the frequency and distribution of geography programs and interpret the findings. (CFR)

Discusses an instructional strategy for a college-level, geography course in which changes in student's attitudes about specific U.S. states are observed. Describes the process of collecting and analyzing data from students about desirable and undesirable states. Concludes that physical environment and perceived social factors are important…

Presents a chart of socioeconomic data for 38 developing countries and the United States. Includes statistics on GNP per capita, percent of people living on less than one dollar a day, under-age-5 mortality rate, percent of population without access to safe water, and total adult-literacy rate. (DSK)

Notes the cultural turn in geography toward children's issues. Addresses four research issues: (1) background to current research trends; (2) ethical issues associated with working with children; (3) examples of good methodological practices for working with children; and (4) provocative issues dealing with geographers studying children. (DSK)

Illustrates a model for integrating urban fieldwork into a human geography class project. Reports on a project in which students explored the interaction between Atlanta (Georgia) and its five target suburbs, and their interactions among each other. (CMK)

Students analyze a contemporary geopolitical event from a comprehensive geographic perspective using role play simulation, discussion, and decision-making. The three-day activity provides teachers with a realistic, ready-made classroom lesson that combines powerful conceptual learning with drama and surprise. The task of the teacher is to…