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The Roma are the largest and, some scholars would argue, the most marginalized group in Europe, an observation evident in an examination of school texts for Polish children. Using the concept of the "geographies of silence," we discuss the nature of text and graphical silences and the reasons behind the paucity of text, photo, and map coverage. We conclude by presenting photos that could be used in future texts to better inform Polish youth about a much-neglected part of their culture.

The traditional important role of maps used for educational purposes has gained further potential with recent advances in GIS technology. But beyond specific courses in cartography this potential seems little realized in geography teaching. This article investigates the extent to which any learning benefits may be derived from the use of such technologies. A controlled experiment was conducted to examine whether information recall is improved when cartographic information on population distribution is presented in 2D versus 3D form. The results show statistically significant differences in learning benefits between the two formats, largely in favor of 2D representation. These findings suggest that learning benefits can be derived from paying greater attention to map format in educational settings. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

Ethnic music is a strong indicator of cultural identity. Central and Eastern European ethnic groups have historically been associated with folk music traditions, such as polka, and radio broadcasting patterns in the United States reflect continued demand for and support of this music. Data from the 2000 Census was used to generate maps of the county-level ancestral patterns from European regions traditionally associated with polka music and was compared with the locations of radio stations that play polka. This article demonstrates straightforward quantitative approaches to evaluating these patterns of musical preferences. This study serves as an example for ways in which mapping and GIS can be used as tools for teaching and learning topics related to cultural geography. (Contains 4 figures.)

Human geography can be taught by focusing on popular culture contexts with which undergraduate students may already be familiar such as rock music. The Geography of the Beatles introduced undergraduate students to concepts of "new" cultural geography such as space, place, representation, geopolitics, social space, and tourism-pilgrimage as well as to more traditional concepts such as diffusion. A wide range of geographical issues were illustrated by a broad-based spatial examination of the music and lives of the Beatles. Activities included a geographical history of the Beatles, reading street maps of the Beatles' hometown of Liverpool, England, song and film analysis, and a song-writing exercise.

Addresses the population section of the Advanced Placement course outline for human geography, focusing on four themes: (1) geographical analysis of population; (2) population distribution and composition; (3) population growth and decline over time and space; and (4) population movement. Identifies strategies for instructional activities. Includes references. (CMK)

Traces the settlement and demographic patterns of Hispanic Americans in the United States from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Although originally concentrated in the southwest, Hispanics began migrating northward into some northeastern areas after World War II. Includes maps and tables detailing these demographics. (MJP)

Explores the intersection of geography and politics in U.S. public policy development and connects this to several of the National Geography Standards. Discusses contemporary issues including economic interdependence, the impact of migration, resource competition, cultural values, and environmental issues. Offers suggested student activities. (MJP)

Examines spatial and social variations in preschool education in Nassau County, New York. Analyzes how the preschool operation relates to publicly supported primary education. Describes processes influencing historical changes in the number and distribution of preschools. Points out that the location and provision of preschool education is a question of educational equity. Includes seven community maps. (NL)

Presents a project making an introductory class in cultural geography more relevant. Describes how students select and evaluate three articles about geography and write about them. Suggests that students are better able to appreciate and retain a geographical perspective in a comparative world context by applying concepts of their choice to real situations. (DK)

Explores four selected facets of the geography of Midwest population related to movement of people: (1) spread of occupancy across the land; (2) growth of county populations once they had been occupied; (3) distribution of the foreign-born population; and (4) distribution of retirees who have migrated after retirement. Concludes movements are independently constant. (TRS)

Describes a college urban geography class project studying factors which determine the spacial distribution of the elderly in Baltimore, Maryland, and attributes of desirable housing sites for them. Students discussed problems and needs of the elderly, mapped their population distribution, and did field studies evaluating the adequacy of existing facilities. (AM)

Describes a college class project in geographical survey research comparing the population characteristics in North and South New Jersey. Students made up their own questionnaires and decided on sampling procedures. Surveys revealed facts about population numbers, historical boundaries, employment, and residents' perceptions of regional boundaries, city locations, and territoriality. (AM)

The post-World War II American pattern of general urban growth, rapid suburbanization, and central city decline has now given way to reduced urban growth outside the Sunbelt, increased growth in nonmetropolitan areas, greater self-sufficiency for suburbs, and continuing depression in the central cities. Implications of these changes are discussed. (IS)