A "maps in the news" unit can be used to help middle and junior high school students in many subject areas recognize basic map components and identify and analyze thematic maps while building writing skills. Prior to beginning the unit, the teacher introduces students to thematic maps, the parts of a map, and writing organization (topic…

Two exercises are presented to show that changes in the size of urban populations invove the demographic processes of migration and natural change. Discussion of these exercises and the result provides a useful introduction to various aspects of urban growth and to the role and nature of models in studying urban processes. (JR)

Future studies used in geographic education, encourages students to think systematically about the future of the society and environment in which they live. Projects involving urban studies, technology, ecology and social change are examined. (JR)

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)

The interconnections between urban climates and human ecology are discussed, strengthening the notion that man is not yet free of environmental constraints, especially climatic ones. Student learning activities are suggested to allow students to become aware of this area of geography and its relation to environmental education. (Author/JR)

Environmental impact statements are informational documents representing a systematic study of long- and short-term relations between a proposed project and its environments (i.e. physical, social, economic, etc.), written for the layman, and easily adapted to the classroom for use in student research activities. (JR)

The use of analogy can be the most effective way of helping science students successfully formulate hypotheses and develop understandings of concepts. (JR)

Suggests that small-scale mapping activities can be used in geography courses to help students understand geographic concepts such as latitude, longitude, situation, relative location, and national boundaries. (Author/DB)

A learning experience is described for upper elementary or junior high students involving the manufacture, transportation, and marketing of a product for consumers. Steps are given and roles are assigned for students to convert raw material (paper) to a finished product (paper airplanes) and to sell it. (AV)

Suggests projects to help elementary students learn about man-land relationships through field experience, inquiry techniques, and a thematic, interdisciplinary approach. Children study a natural community, a human community, solid wastes, and energy conservation. (Author/AV)

An exercise for high school students based on urban-oriented density measures involves calculation of gross and net population densities, lot coverage ratios, and floor space indices. (Author/AV)

Describes a classroom activity to introduce students to pros and cons of recent bottle bill legislation which proposes restrictions on the sale of nonreturnable beverage containers. Flowcharts are used to analyze the problem in a systems format. (Author/AV)

Describes an activity intended to heighten teaching effectiveness and student interest in college-level introductory cultural geography. By tracing their family's migration history, students experience a sense of time, place, and cultural heritage. (Author)

Suggests a high school or college level program of subjective perception and evaluation of industrial landscapes. Slides of local or national industrial sites can be rated and classified as pleasing or unpleasing in terms of variables such as architectural style of building, smokestacks, age, and visible pollution. (AV)

A two-week map skills unit for fourth and fifth graders is presented. Students learn about the nature of maps, map conventions that cartographers employ to aid map readers in using maps, and map symbols and orientation. They then apply knowledge and skills learned and make their own maps. (RM)