This research was based on an instructional module developed and used to investigate whether GIS can be used to enhance fourth grade students' geographic knowledge and map skills. Another goal was to identify challenges the teacher and the students face using GIS. Findings from the study suggest that using GIS in the classroom helps students…

Increased knowledge of geographic place name vocabulary continues to be important to student academic success. Place knowledge is a vital part of students' learning to be responsible citizens by helping them become more conscious of the world around them and preparing the world around them and preparing them to enter a global workplace. This study…

Describes a lesson that connects geography and mathematics in which students develop an understanding of large numbers. Students listen to a story about the number one million, cut and paste faces on tagboard to estimate one million, and use blocks to represent the population of each state in the United States. (CMK)

Investigates the potential use of geographic-information systems (GIS), a computerized spatial-analysis tool, for teaching geography to elementary students. Finds that GIS offers students opportunities to practice geographic skills and is highly motivating, but it can create frustration. Suggests several promising approaches to using GIS at the…

Argues that Radarsat satellite images should be used in elementary classrooms to teach geography. Studies the abilities of children to interpret features of a Radarsat image. Shows that they can interpret major geographical features on the image but had problems finding Radarsat locations on road maps. (DSK)

Outlines a variety of activities using each of Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences to teach map reading skills. The Multiple Intelligences are logical/mathematical, linguistic, musical, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Includes multiple activities for teaching six key ideas and four skills. (MJP)

Describes a lesson plan that uses Main Street images of three towns to encourage students to recognize and compare human and physical characteristics of places. The lesson teaches the geographic concepts of site (absolute location) and situation (relative location) as well as introducing students to urban geography. (MJP)

Describes an educational game that is designed to review and reinforce elementary map and compass skills and help children to use maps to plot routes to specific locations in urban areas. The game is based on a tag procedure and can be used with almost any large-scale street map. (MJP)

Provides a rationale and lesson plan for incorporating geography and art at the K-4 level. The lesson plan features a landscape painting by George Innes, a simplified chronology of his life, as well as a template of questions about the artist and the spatial significance of the painting. (MJP)

Presents a simple, yet effective method for drawing a world map that helps younger students remember the continents, oceans, and major seas. The only materials required are a ruler, paper, and a world map (a transparency would work best). Includes suggestions for related activities and ways to improve map skills. (MJP)

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of an 1828 geography textbook for children, specifically in relation to other textbooks. Jesse Olney's text deviated from the norm by introducing the students to activities focused on community and local geography. Ethnocentrism and racism occasionally marred the lavishly illustrated text. (MJP)

Describes a field sketch mapping project conducted with a sixth-grade class. The project involved selecting appropriate sites around the school to map, organizing the students, and instructing them about measuring distances and drawing maps. Illustrations include assignments and examples of students' work. (MJP)

Reviews the six essential elements of the National Standards for Geography and demonstrates how children's books can teach them. Each element and a particular standard are applied to a specific picture book. Briefly reviews the standards and what knowledge they incorporate. (MJP)

A four-foil, 69-item multiple-choice test was administered in 1974 to 32 preservice elementary teachers, 60 inservice teachers, and 479 sixth-grade students. Results showed from 30 to 50 percent of the teachers had problems with test items in the same skill areas which the students had problems, indicating that student performance of map and globe…

Seventy-one activities are suggested for student participation in community environmental awareness as well as for projects involving student-in-put on community decision making on environmental issues. (JR)