Based on students' generally shallow knowledge of geographic concepts on the one hand and a new and almost universal awareness of man in his milieu on the other, the author seeks to draw attention to the discipline of geography, and more specifically, political geography as an essential, fundamental component of international studies. The…

This booklet, a general guide to citizen eco-action, discusses a plan of action on community environmental problems. It offers factors to be considered in any community eco-action situation, but it is not a rigid set of rules. An overview identifies seven key ideas of environmental issues, including the universal participation of all humans in the…

Rural school consolidation in Iowa in the early 20th century was not simply an attempt at educational reform, but was also an attempt to transform the rural social geography of the region. Since consolidation of corporate power had resulted in economic progress in the cities, it was thought that re-centering rural life around country towns could…

This classroom guide uses a series of interactive lessons to provide middle and high school students with the foundation to address complex issues of how people use the environment, the factors (demographic, socioeconomic, political, and cultural) that affect human use of resources, and the local and global environmental impact of people's actions…

As the world grapples with increasing environmental, social, and security problems, population is rarely considered a cause or contributing factor. The relationship of population to the human condition, and to the condition of the Earth, is often subtle and complex. But population growth affects almost every aspect of life from education to…

Points out that geography works toward educational objectives by helping the learner understand geographic aspects of society, by providing collaboration on and discussion of important problems, by informing him about present-day dilemmas, and by teaching him how to learn for himself. Journal available from Faculty of Education, 3700 McTavish St.,…

Describes a simulation game whose objective is to help students understand the part played by water in the environment from both the physical and the social viewpoint. Journal availability: see SO 507 285. (Author/CK)

Advocates that geography teachers undertake field studies of human systems with their students. Describes a learning process in which teachers take students to a human system (supermarket, hotel) and guide them through exploration and analysis of the system with the goal of building skills that can transfer to other geographic tasks. (MJP)

Identifies cultural universals as general categories of traits that all cultures possess, the delineation of which can distinguish one culture from another. These include, material culture, social organization, and economic organization. Discusses teaching strategies for exploring these phenomena. Includes a sample lesson and related World Wide…

Community vitality is no longer tied to economic diversity. Community viability analysis provides a broader perspective by considering community self-image and social activities. Horizontal linkages, social solidarity, threshold values, and community catchment areas are explained and applied to an analysis that shows small towns such as Olsburg…

Focuses on the Nile, the Rhine, and the Mississippi, the greatest rivers of Africa, Europe, and North America, respectively. Highlights the rich diversity of subjects associated with rivers including geography, history, literature, and art. Includes 12 learning activities for each river. (MJP)

Outlines an activity which explores the quality of rural aid to developing countries. Students use group discussion and various resources to evaluate the advantages and problems brought about by different types of rural development projects. (LS)

Features reviews of four computer games for use with intermediate and upper grade students, three on geography (Travelrama USA, Crosscountry USA, My America) and one on history (Vital Links). Comments include strengths of each activity, related multimedia activities and resources, and links to literature. Also reviews "Educator's Internet…

Discusses use of student-led seminars as tool for developing leadership skills when assessed as part of grade for urban geography course. Emphasizes instruction and student dissatisfaction with seminars that are not assessed. Concludes that such seminars increase students' confidence in oral communication and enhance credentials on job…

Presents the results of an undergraduate research project using geographic concepts and terminology to document the public perception of crime in a small New Zealand town. Original data were culled from a questionnaire which addressed such issues as direct victimization, fear of crime, and behavior restrictions and adaptation. (MJP)