A passion to learn about our world

Social Studies Review, Spring 2003 by Cunha, Stephen F, Schell, Emily M, Rocca, Al M, Cunha, Mary Beth

Building a case for effective, interactive and developmentally appropriate geography education programs in the primary grades, first-grade teacher Cynthia Vaughn shares her expertise and successful lesson plans with readers. Her article captures a spirit of exploration and meaningful mapping, which translates to powerful lessons for teachers at all grade levels.

Teachers and learners alike universally embrace innovation in geography education. The National Geographic Society awarded one California program a grant to explore history and geography through music. Jenny Scholl's article briefly outlines the work of Arts-Bridge America at the University of California, San Diego.

Using Contests to Spark Geography Awareness

Easily duplicated and fun academic contests involve entire school communities, including families. They both celebrate and highlight students' knowledge and skills in geography. The National Geographic Bee and Geography Olympiad fit this bill, while also generating positive school publicity. California Geographic Alliance Director Stephen Cunha writes about the power and purpose of the National Geographic Bee, and provides the information you need to register and conduct school Bees. A resource section and ideas for incorporating the contest across the curriculum will have you thinking, "Why don't I do this at my school?" Featuring a different type of geography contest, middle school teacher Steve Prendergast presents San Diego County's annual Geography Olympiad. Prendergast chronicles the ten-year history of this highly successful event featuring Olympic-style competitions that draw on the geographic knowledge and skills of 3rd - 8th grade students. Sharing some example events, the author encourages teachers throughout California to mentally muscle-up for their own fun and rewarding Geo-Olympiad.

Teaching Geography in the Field

Chances are you've met (or work with) a professed "geo nut." Geographic Alliance Regional Coordinator Emily Schell explores how these teachers practice their passion for geography. In the process, she admits membership to the team. The teachers she highlights in this article will empower you to put students in the front seat to better navigate their studies and their educational adventures. Whether it's reading a textbook or en route to a field trip, pass out the maps and charge your students to be geo-aware so that the journey also becomes a learning destination.

On the subject of field trips, San Diego State geography professors Barbara Fredrich and Alan Osborne share their experience with teachers during a summer institute that offered geography content and teaching strategies. They first explain their own preparation, and then critique recent field trips to art galleries, museums, and conservation gardens. Their findings can also apply to numerous other sites, and their stories should inspire many to do so.

In the adventure of a lifetime, middle school teacher Mike Murphy describes his geo-trek through the public lands in the Rocky Mountains. Government agencies, private-sector companies, and the National Geographic Society sponsored this three-month expedition. His electronic journal entries from the field were edited especially for this article. They should inspire teachers to explore California's public lands with (or without) their students.